The Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, believes that the task of building a better Nigeria rests primarily on the youth.
Obi expressed this opinion on Thursday in a post on his official X account while also lending support to the General Overseer (G.O.) of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye.
He defended Pastor Adeboye as a respected figure who has long promoted peace, unity, and reconciliation, arguing that it is unfair to assign national leadership burdens to an 84-year-old when the duty belongs to younger Nigerians.
Obi also reflected on the 2023 elections in Lagos State, where political discourse shifted away from competence and development toward ethnic divisions and tribal sentiments, warning that similar manipulative tactics are resurfacing ahead of 2027.
The former Governor of Anambra State called on young citizens to question narratives, verify claims, reject hatred based on ethnicity or faith, and prioritize collective unity over division in building a better Nigeria.
“Dear Young Nigerians, one lesson from the 2023 elections, particularly in Lagos, should never be forgotten. In the period following the presidential election and leading up to the governorship election, we witnessed a troubling shift in public discourse,” he said.
“Conversations that should have focused on competence, governance, development, and the future of our nation were gradually diverted 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.
“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 recognizing the broader agenda behind such campaigns.
“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.”
According to Obi, the task of building a better Nigeria rests primarily on the shoulders of the younger generation.
He pointed out that it is their duty to lead conversations, champion reforms, and drive the positive change our nation urgently requires.
“We must be careful not to become instruments in the hands of those who secretly nurture division while publicly preaching unity,” he warned.
“In most cases, their target is not the individual being attacked; instead, it is the person who is attacking. Their real objective is to weaken the bonds that hold us together as one people and one nation.”
Obi therefore urged all young Nigerians not to allow anyone to recruit them into hatred.
“Do not allow anyone to weaponise your ethnicity, your faith, or your admiration for respected leaders. Question every narrative. Verify every claim. Follow the facts. Resist manipulation,” he advised.
“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. A New Nigeria is POssible.”
Meanwhile, as criticism of Adeboye gained traction on social media, Mike Bamiloye, founder of Mount Zion Faith Ministries, also defended the popular pastor on Wednesday.
He said it was unreasonable to expect Adeboye to lead protests against the government, adding that the RCCG general overseer had publicly spoken against insecurity and violence in the past, but many bloggers chose not to amplify his comments.
In response to the worsening security situation, the cleric urged Nigeria’s security chiefs to eliminate terrorists within 90 days or resign.
In a recent video posted on the church’s X handle on Tuesday, Adeboye called on the federal government to act swiftly in tackling the country’s security challenges.
The development comes amid growing public concern over the spate of violent attacks reported across the country in recent days.
On Wednesday, gunmen abducted Olaide John-Paul, sister of Adebayo Adelabu, former minister of power, alongside her twin sons, Peter and Paul, in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital.
On Sunday, four people were killed when gunmen attacked the convoy of Ben Nwankwo, chief of staff to Chukwuma Soludo, governor of Anambra.
