Insecurity: Obi defends Adeboye, warns youth against ethnic division

Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi has urged Nigerian youth to resist attempts to divide the country along ethnic and religious lines ahead of the 2027 general election.

Obi also defended the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, against what he described as unfair attacks over rising insecurity in Nigeria.

Obi, in a statement on Thursday, June 4, 2026, reflected on lessons from the 2023 general election, particularly in Lagos State, where he said political discussions gradually shifted from issues of governance, competence, and development to ethnic and tribal sentiments.

He noted that many Nigerians unknowingly became participants in narratives designed to create division, warning that some politicians often exploit ethnicity, religion, and identity when they are unable to compete on ideas, performance, and vision.

Obi said he was beginning to notice similar patterns re-emerging in the country’s political space, with narratives being deliberately planted and amplified to sow discord among citizens.

The former Anambra State Governor specifically defended Pastor Adeboye, describing the cleric as one of Nigeria’s foremost spiritual leaders who has consistently promoted peace, unity, reconciliation, and love throughout his decades-long ministry.

Obi noted that Adeboye, despite facing criticism and provocation, has remained a symbol of humility, wisdom and restraint.

Obi stated that it was unfair to place on the 84-year-old cleric responsibilities that should be borne by younger Nigerians, stressing that the task of building a better nation rests largely on the younger generation.

He said: “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.

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“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.”

The NDC presidential candidate called on youths to take ownership of national conversations, champion reforms, and drive the positive changes needed to transform the country.

Obi also warned Nigerians against becoming tools in the hands of individuals who secretly promote division while publicly advocating unity.

Obi added: “We must be careful not to become instruments in the hands of those who secretly nurture division while publicly preaching unity. In most cases, their target is not the individual being attacked; instead, it is the person who is attacking. Their real objective is to weaken the bonds that hold us together as one people and one nation.

“I therefore urge all young Nigerians: do not allow anyone to recruit you into hatred. Do not allow anyone to weaponise your ethnicity, your faith, or your admiration for respected leaders.

“The Nigeria of our dreams can only be built by citizens who refuse to be divided, who choose unity over hatred, and who place our collective future above narrow interests.”