“Don’t Recruit Youths Into Hatred” — Peter Obi Fires Warning Over Attacks on Adeboye
By Passman Akpos
Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has come to the defence of Pastor Enoch Adeboye amid growing criticism over his alleged involvement in the cancellation of a planned protest, cautioning Nigerians against narratives capable of fueling ethnic and social divisions.
In a statement shared on his verified X account on Thursday, Obi urged citizens to reflect on the lessons of the 2023 general elections, particularly in Lagos State, where political conversations, he said, drifted away from governance, competence, and development to ethnic and tribal sentiments.
According to the former Anambra State governor, discussions that should have focused on policies, leadership capacity, and the future of Nigeria were instead overshadowed by divisive narratives that weakened national unity and social cohesion.
“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,” Obi stated.
He warned that similar tactics appear to be resurfacing ahead of future political contests, with deliberate efforts being made to sow suspicion, distrust, and division among Nigerians.
Obi expressed concern that many citizens unknowingly become instruments in campaigns designed to pit ethnic and religious groups against one another, thereby distracting attention from the real issues confronting the nation.
Addressing the controversy surrounding Pastor Enoch Adeboye, Obi described the General Overseer of as one of Nigeria’s most respected religious leaders whose teachings have consistently promoted peace, prayer, reconciliation, and national unity.
“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,” Obi said.
He further praised Adeboye for maintaining humility and wisdom despite criticism and public attacks, noting that the cleric has continually responded to controversies with restraint and grace.
The former presidential candidate also challenged younger Nigerians to take greater responsibility for the country’s future rather than placing the burden of solving national problems on elderly leaders.
“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 remarked.
Calling for vigilance, Obi urged Nigerians—especially the youth—to resist attempts by political actors to manipulate public opinion through ethnic, religious, or identity-based propaganda.
“I therefore urge all young Nigerians: do not allow anyone to recruit you into hatred. Question every narrative. Verify every claim. Follow the facts. Resist manipulation,” he said.
Obi maintained that Nigeria’s progress and stability depend on citizens choosing unity over division and prioritising the nation’s collective future above sectional interests.
His remarks come amid increasing political conversations ahead of future electoral contests, with observers warning against the resurgence of identity politics capable of undermining national cohesion and democratic development.
