Peter Obi Defends Pastor Adeboye, Urges Youth to Reject Ethnic and Religious Manipulation

Peter Obi has defended Pastor Adeboye against criticism, urging young Nigerians to reject ethnic and religious manipulation, resist divisive narratives, and promote national unity ahead of future elections.

Philips News reports that the 2027 Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, has urged young Nigerians to resist attempts to divide the country along ethnic and religious lines, warning that such tactics are often used by politicians who lack ideas, vision, and performance records to present to the electorate.

In a statement published on his X handle, addressed to Nigerian youths, Obi reflected on the aftermath of the 2023 general elections, particularly in Lagos State, where public discourse shifted from issues of governance, competence, and national development to conversations driven by tribal sentiments and ethnic divisions. He said many Nigerians unknowingly became part of narratives designed to create suspicion and disunity among citizens.

In response to the criticism directed at Pastor Enoch Adeboye, Obi came to the defence of the revered cleric, describing him as one of Nigeria’s most respected spiritual leaders. He praised the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) for his decades of dedication to promoting peace, prayer, love, reconciliation, and national unity, noting that his contributions to the country’s moral and spiritual development remain significant.

Obi further stated that despite facing criticism and provocation over the years, Adeboye has consistently responded with humility, wisdom, restraint, and grace. According to him, these qualities have earned the 84-year-old cleric widespread respect and admiration, making him a symbol of peace and unity for millions of Nigerians.

“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 opined.

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. Conversations that…

— Peter Obi (@PeterObi) June 4, 2026

Read the full statement below…

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. 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. 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.

We must be careful not to become instruments in the hands of those who secretly nurture division while publicly preaching unity. 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.

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.

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.

A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO.