Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has come to the defence of the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, amid criticisms surrounding his alleged involvement in the cancellation of a planned protest.
In a statement shared on his verified X handle on Thursday, Obi cautioned Nigerians against narratives capable of fuelling ethnic and social divisions, saying the country must learn from the experiences of the 2023 general elections.
According to the former Anambra State governor, political conversations during the last election, particularly in Lagos State, were unnecessarily diverted from issues of governance, competence and national development to debates driven by ethnicity and tribal sentiments.
Obi noted that such developments weakened national unity and distracted citizens from focusing on the real issues affecting the country.
He said politicians who struggle to compete on the basis of ideas, performance, vision and character often resort to exploiting ethnic, religious and identity differences to gain political advantage.
“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 distrust and division among Nigerians.
The former presidential candidate stressed that many citizens unknowingly become tools in campaigns designed to pitch communities against one another.
Speaking on the attacks directed at Pastor Adeboye, Obi described the revered cleric as one of Nigeria’s foremost spiritual leaders whose teachings over the years have consistently promoted peace, love, prayer, reconciliation and national unity.
“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,” he said.
Obi added that despite criticisms and provocations, Adeboye has continued to respond with humility, wisdom, restraint and grace.
He also argued that younger Nigerians should not place the responsibility of fixing the country’s challenges on elderly leaders, noting that the burden of driving reforms and building a better Nigeria largely rests on the younger generation.
“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 said.
The Labour Party chieftain urged Nigerians, especially youths, to be vigilant and resist attempts to manipulate them through ethnic, religious or identity-based narratives.
“I 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 stated.
Obi maintained that national progress can only be achieved when citizens choose unity over division and place the country’s collective interest above narrow political, ethnic and religious considerations.
