By Ayomide Otitoju
Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has cautioned Nigerian youths against ethnic and religious divisions, urging them not to be manipulated into promoting narratives that threaten national unity.
Obi made the appeal in a post on his X account on Thursday amid growing social media criticism directed at the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Enoch Adeboye, over the country’s worsening security situation.
The backlash followed calls by some young Nigerians for Adeboye to publicly condemn insecurity or lead protests against the Federal Government. The demands were fuelled by a viral photograph purportedly showing the cleric carrying a placard during a protest against the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
However, RCCG dismissed the claim, clarifying that the image was taken during a peaceful walk held under the administration of late former President Muhammadu Buhari and was unrelated to any political demonstration.
Reflecting on the 2023 general elections, particularly in Lagos State, Obi said the polls demonstrated how public discourse could easily be diverted from governance and development issues to ethnic and identity-based narratives.
According to him, politicians who are unable to compete on the basis of ideas, performance, character, and vision often resort to exploiting ethnic and religious divisions for political advantage.
“Throughout history, whenever politicians find it difficult to compete on ideas, performance, character, or vision, some resort to exploiting the fault lines of ethnicity, religion, and identity. Their calculation is simple: a divided people are easier to manipulate than a united people,” Obi said.
He warned that similar tactics are re-emerging in more subtle forms, with narratives being amplified by individuals who may not fully understand the broader motives behind them.
Obi also defended Adeboye, describing him as one of Nigeria’s most respected religious leaders whose teachings have consistently promoted peace, unity, reconciliation, and national cohesion.
The former Anambra State governor argued that it was inappropriate for young Nigerians to shift responsibilities that rightly belong to them onto the 84-year-old cleric.
“Let me state clearly that Pastor Enoch Adeboye remains one of the foremost fathers of faith in our nation. For decades, he has consistently preached the virtues of peace, prayer, love, reconciliation, and national unity,” he said.
“At 84 years of age, it would be unfair for young and able-bodied Nigerians to transfer to him responsibilities that properly belong to them.”
Obi urged young people to take ownership of the task of nation-building by leading conversations on reform and driving the change required to improve the country.
He further encouraged Nigerians to verify information, question prevailing narratives, and resist attempts to manipulate public opinion.
“The Nigeria of our dreams can only be built by citizens who refuse to be divided, who choose unity over hatred, and who place our collective future above narrow interests,” he added.
