By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
Labour Party‘s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has come to the defence of renowned cleric, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, amid criticisms surrounding his alleged involvement in the cancellation of a planned protest, warning Nigerians against narratives capable of fuelling ethnic, religious, and social divisions.
Obi, in a statement posted on his verified X handle on Thursday, urged citizens to reflect on the lessons of the 2023 general elections, particularly in Lagos State, where political debates, he said, shifted from governance, competence, and development to ethnic and tribal considerations.
According to the former Anambra State governor, discussions that ought to have focused on the nation’s future were overshadowed by divisive sentiments that undermined national unity.
“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 expressed concern that similar trends are beginning to resurface ahead of future political contests, alleging that certain narratives are being deliberately promoted to sow distrust and division among Nigerians.
The Merit Newspaper reports that Obi noted that many citizens often become unwitting participants in campaigns designed to set communities against one another, thereby weakening the country’s social fabric.
Addressing the criticism directed at Pastor Adeboye, Obi described the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God as one of Nigeria’s most respected religious leaders whose lifelong message has centred on peace, love, reconciliation, prayer, and national unity.
READ ALSO:Osun 2026: Davido Vows to Stop Election Rigging
“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,” he said.
The Labour Party chieftain further commended Adeboye for maintaining humility and wisdom despite public criticism and provocation.
“Even in the face of criticism and provocation, he has continued to respond with humility, restraint, wisdom, and grace,” Obi added.
Obi also argued that it would be unfair to place the responsibility for solving Nigeria’s numerous challenges on elderly leaders, stressing that the task of driving reforms and national transformation belongs largely to younger generations.
“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,” he stated.
The former presidential candidate urged young Nigerians to remain vigilant and resist attempts to manipulate them through ethnic, religious, or identity-based narratives.
“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 embracing unity, rejecting divisive politics, and placing the nation’s collective interest above sectional and personal considerations.
