Don’t be used as tools to weaken national unity — Obi warns Youths

By Taiwo Scholarstica

The presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has cautioned Nigerian youths against ethnic and religious divisions, urging them not to be used to spread narratives that weaken national unity.

Obi made the appeal in a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday, amid intense online criticism directed at the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, over the country’s rising insecurity.

Some youths had called on Adeboye to publicly condemn the situation or lead protests against the Federal Government, referencing a viral image allegedly showing him during a protest against former President Goodluck Jonathan.

However, the RCCG has dismissed the claim, clarifying that the image was taken during a peaceful prayer walk under the Muhammadu Buhari administration and was not linked to any political protest.

Obi noted that recent political experiences, including the 2023 elections in Lagos State, showed how public conversations can be deliberately shifted from governance issues to ethnic and identity-based sentiments.

He warned that politicians often exploit such divisions when they cannot compete on ideas or performance, adding that Nigerians must be alert to manipulative narratives circulating online.

Defending Adeboye, Obi described him as a respected faith leader who has consistently preached peace, unity, and reconciliation, adding that it would be unfair to place heavy political expectations on him given his advanced age.

He stressed that the responsibility of national transformation ultimately rests on young Nigerians, who must lead constructive dialogue and institutional reforms.

Obi further urged citizens to verify information, resist manipulation, and prioritize unity over division in nation-building.