Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has said young Nigerians should not expect the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, to shoulder the responsibility of rebuilding the country at the age of 84.
Obi, in a post on his X handle on Thursday, urged Nigerian youths to resist attempts by what he described as “self-centred” politicians seeking to inflame ethnic and religious divisions across the country.
The former Anambra State governor spoke against the backdrop of claims circulating on social media alleging that Adeboye publicly protested during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan but had remained silent amid worsening economic hardship and insecurity under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
However, the RCCG had earlier dismissed the claim, clarifying on Tuesday that the viral photograph being circulated online was taken during a nationwide peace walk organised by churches under the directive of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Obi described Adeboye as one of Nigeria’s foremost fathers of faith who had spent decades preaching peace, unity, reconciliation and love.
“Even when faced with provocation, his response has always reflected humility, restraint, wisdom and grace,” Obi 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.
“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.”
The former governor also warned against attempts to manipulate Nigerians along ethnic and religious lines, noting that similar tactics emerged after the 2023 presidential election.
According to him, national conversations that should have focused on governance, competence and development were deliberately diverted towards tribal sentiments and suspicion.
“Many sincere and well-meaning Nigerians participated in these conversations without realising that they were being drawn into narratives carefully designed by others,” Obi said.
“Their calculation is simple: a divided people are easier to manipulate than a united people.”
Obi further cautioned Nigerians against becoming tools in the hands of those promoting division while outwardly preaching unity.
“We must be careful not to become instruments in the hands of those who secretly nurture division while publicly preaching unity,” he stated.
“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.”
He urged young Nigerians to reject narratives aimed at inciting hatred or weaponising ethnic and religious identities.
“I therefore urge all young Nigerians: do not allow anyone to recruit you into hatred. Do not allow anyone to weaponise your ethnicity, your faith, or your admiration for respected leaders,” Obi said.
“Question every narrative. Verify every claim. Follow the facts. Resist 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.”
Meanwhile, as criticism of Adeboye continued to gain traction online, the Founder of Mount Zion Faith Ministries, Mike Bamiloye, also defended the cleric, saying it was unreasonable to expect the RCCG leader to spearhead street protests against the government.
Bamiloye said Adeboye had repeatedly spoken against insecurity and violence in Nigeria, but many bloggers deliberately ignored or failed to amplify his comments.
In response to the worsening insecurity across the country, Adeboye had also challenged Nigeria’s security chiefs to eliminate terrorists within 90 days or resign from office.
In a recent video shared on the church’s X handle on Tuesday, the cleric called on the federal government to urgently address the country’s growing security challenges.
The comments come amid heightened public concern over increasing violent attacks nationwide.
On Wednesday, gunmen abducted Olaide John-Paul, sister of former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, alongside her twin sons, Peter and Paul, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
Similarly, on Sunday, four persons were reportedly killed after gunmen attacked the convoy of Ben Nwankwo, Chief of Staff to Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo.
Boluwatife Enome
