Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has urged young Nigerians to stop placing on Pastor Enoch Adeboye responsibilities that properly belong to them, describing such expectations as unfair to the 84-year-old cleric who has spent decades preaching peace, prayer, reconciliation and national unity. In a post on his official X handle on Thursday, June 4, 2026, Obi also warned youths against being drawn into ethnic and religious divisions, cautioning that politicians who cannot compete on ideas, performance, character or vision often resort to exploiting identity fault lines to manipulate the electorate.
Obi’s intervention came amid growing social media criticism directed at the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) over the country’s worsening insecurity. Many young Nigerians had demanded that Adeboye speak out or lead protests against the Federal Government, citing a viral photograph purportedly showing the cleric holding a placard during a demonstration against the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan — a claim the RCCG has since debunked, clarifying that the image was taken during a peaceful walk organised under the late President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
Describing Adeboye as “one of the foremost fathers of faith in our nation”, Obi said: “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”. He insisted that it is unreasonable to burden the cleric with tasks that younger Nigerians should shoulder. “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 wrote. “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”.
Reflecting on the 2023 elections, particularly events in Lagos State, Obi warned that political discourse was deliberately shifted from governance, competence, development and the future of the nation towards tribal sentiments, ethnic divisions and unnecessary suspicion among citizens. “Many sincere and well-meaning Nigerians participated in these conversations without realising that they were being drawn into narratives carefully designed by others,” he said. He noted that throughout history, politicians who struggle to compete on ideas, performance, character or vision often 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 stated.
The former Anambra State governor observed that similar divisive tactics are beginning to re-emerge ahead of future political contests, sometimes in more subtle and sophisticated forms. “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. He urged young Nigerians to be vigilant, to question every narrative, verify every claim, follow the facts and resist manipulation. “Do not allow anyone to weaponise your ethnicity, your faith, or your admiration for respected leaders,” he advised.
Obi concluded with a call for national unity and active citizenship. “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 said, ending with his familiar message: “A New Nigeria is Possible”.
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