The National Democratic Congress flagbearer, Peter Obi, has called on Nigerian youths to resist attempts to divide the country along ethnic and religious lines, warning that such narratives often serve political interests rather than the common good.
Obi made the appeal in a post on his X account on Thursday amid growing social media criticism directed at Enoch Adeboye over the country’s worsening security situation.
The backlash followed demands by some young Nigerians for Adeboye to publicly condemn the Federal Government or lead demonstrations against insecurity. The calls were fuelled by a viral photograph that allegedly showed the cleric participating in a protest against the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
However, the Redeemed Christian Church of God later clarified that the image was not linked to any political protest. According to the church, the photograph was taken during a prayer walk organised during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Reacting to the controversy, Obi said the events surrounding the 2023 general election, particularly in Lagos State, demonstrated how public discourse could easily be diverted from issues of governance, development and accountability to ethnic and identity-based debates.
According to him, politicians who are unable to compete based on competence, ideas and performance often seek to exploit societal 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.
“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.
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The former Anambra governor warned that many citizens unknowingly become tools in campaigns designed to create division and distract from more pressing national issues.
Defending Adeboye, Obi described the octogenarian cleric as one of Nigeria’s most respected religious leaders who has consistently advocated peace, unity and reconciliation throughout his ministry.
He argued that it was unfair to place the burden of driving social and political change on an 84-year-old religious figure when younger Nigerians should be taking the lead.
“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.
He further encouraged Nigerians, especially young people, to critically examine information circulating online, verify claims before sharing them and remain vigilant against manipulation.
“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.
Obi’s remarks come amid ongoing national conversations on insecurity, governance and the role of public figures in holding leaders accountable, with many Nigerians continuing to debate how best to channel civic engagement toward meaningful reforms.
