‘It’s unfair’ – Peter Obi advises young Nigerians about Pastor Adeboye

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has urged young Nigerians not to place on Pastor Enoch Adeboye responsibilities that rightly belong to them, calling such expectations “unfair.”

He also warned young people against being drawn into ethnic and religious divisions, saying that some politicians use these sentiments when they cannot compete on ideas, character, performance, and vision.

Obi made the remarks in a statement posted on X on Thursday, while cautioning against attempts to fuel ethnic and religious divisions ahead of future elections.

The statement comes amid a social media backlash against the respected cleric over the country’s ongoing insecurity.

Many young Nigerians expected him to lead protests against insecurity, as he did during former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.

Reflecting on the 2023 elections, especially in Lagos, Obi said that discussions that should have focused on governance, competence, development, and the nation’s future were diverted toward tribal sentiments and ethnic divisions.

“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,” Obi said.

He added that many well‑meaning Nigerians unknowingly became involved in narratives designed to create suspicion and disunity among citizens.

The former presidential candidate argued that politicians who cannot compete on ideas, performance, character, and vision often resort to exploiting ethnic, religious, and identity differences to gain political advantage.

Obi warned that similar tactics are beginning to reappear, sometimes in more subtle forms, through narratives aimed at dividing Nigerians.

He also defended Adeboye, describing the cleric as one of Nigeria’s foremost fathers of faith who has consistently preached peace, prayer, love, reconciliation, and national unity throughout his ministry.

“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 stressed that the responsibility of building a better Nigeria rests largely on the younger generation, urging them to lead conversations on reforms and national development rather than allow themselves to be used to promote division.