Peter Obi, the Nigeria Democratic Congress’ (NDC) presidential candidate, has advised young Nigerians not to assign Pastor Enoch Adeboye duties that are rightfully theirs, calling such demands unjust.
He warned that certain politicians take advantage of ethnic and religious divisions when they are unable to compete on ideas, character, performance, and vision. He also urged young Nigerians against becoming entangled in such divisions.
In a statement posted on X on Thursday, Obi made the declaration and cautioned Nigerians from trying to exacerbate racial and religious tensions in advance of upcoming elections.
The statement was made in response to criticism of the revered cleric on social media on the country’s continued insecurity.
Many young Nigerians believed that he ought to spearhead demonstrations against insecurity, much as he did under previous President Goodluck Jonathan.
But when considering the 2023 elections, especially in Lagos, Obi claimed that conversations that ought to have focused on competency, governance, development, and the nation’s future were instead focused on ethnic differences and tribal feelings.
Similar initiatives are resurfacing now, often in more nuanced and complex ways. According to Obi, “narratives are planted, amplified, and circulated, frequently by people who sincerely believe they are defending a worthy cause, without recognizing the broader agenda behind such campaigns.”
He claimed that many well-intentioned Nigerians unintentionally became entangled in stories meant to sow discord and mistrust among the populace.
The former presidential candidate contended that in order to obtain electoral advantage, politicians who are unable to compete on the basis of ideas, performance, character, and vision frequently turn to taking advantage of distinctions in ethnicity, religion, and identity.
Obi said that similar strategies, often in more covert forms, are starting to resurface through narratives meant to split Nigerians.
Additionally, he defended Adeboye, characterizing the cleric as one of Nigeria’s leading religious leaders who has continuously advocated for national unity, peace, prayer, love, and reconciliation throughout his career.
“Let me make it very obvious that one of the most influential religious leaders in our country is still Pastor Enoch Adeboye. He has continuously advocated for national unity, peace, love, prayer, and reconciliation for decades. His response has consistently shown humility, temperance, wisdom, and grace, even in the face of provocation.
It would be unjust for young, physically fit Nigerians to assign him duties that rightfully belong to them at the age of 84. The younger generation is mostly responsible for creating a better Nigeria. It is their responsibility to spearhead the discussions, support the changes, and promote the constructive change that our country so desperately needs,” Obi stated.
He emphasized that the younger generation is primarily responsible for creating a better Nigeria, and he urged them to take the lead in discussions about national growth and reforms rather than let themselves be used to sow discord.
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