Peter Obi Warns Against Ethnic Division, Defends Pastor Adeboye Amid Social Media Backlash
Peter Obi Warns Against Ethnic Division, Defends Pastor Adeboye Amid Social Media Backlash
The National Democratic Congress flagbearer, Peter Obi, has cautioned Nigerian youths against ethnic and religious divisions, urging them not to be used to promote narratives capable of undermining national unity.
Obi made the remarks in a post on his X account on Thursday, following a wave of social media criticism directed at the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, over the country’s worsening insecurity.
Some young Nigerians had called on Adeboye to publicly speak out or lead protests against the Federal Government, referencing a viral image that allegedly showed the cleric holding a placard during a demonstration against the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
However, the RCCG has debunked the claim, clarifying that the photograph was taken during a peaceful walk organised under the late President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration and was not linked to any political protest.
In his statement, Obi said experiences from the 2023 general elections, particularly in Lagos State, showed how public discourse can be diverted from governance issues into ethnic and identity-based narratives.
He added that politicians who struggle to compete on ideas, performance, and vision often resort to exploiting such divisions.
“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.
“Today, I see similar efforts emerging again, sometimes in more subtle and sophisticated ways. Narratives are planted, amplified, and circulated, often by individuals who genuinely believe they are defending a worthy cause, without recognising the broader agenda behind such campaigns,” he said.
Obi cautioned that many Nigerians often participate in such narratives without fully understanding their broader implications.
The former Anambra State governor also defended Adeboye, describing him as a respected religious leader who has consistently preached peace, unity, and reconciliation.
He said it would be unfair to place on the cleric responsibilities that properly belong to younger Nigerians, urging youths to take greater responsibility for driving national change.
“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. Even when faced with provocation, his response has always reflected humility, restraint, wisdom, and grace.
“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.
“The task of building a better Nigeria rests primarily on the shoulders of the younger generation. It is their duty to lead the conversations, champion the reforms, and drive the positive change our nation urgently requires,” Obi said.
Obi further urged Nigerians to verify information before sharing, question circulating narratives, and resist manipulation aimed at deepening divisions.
“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.
