Peter Obi Defends Pastor Adeboye, Warns Against Ethnic And Religious Divisions

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, Peter Obi has reacted to criticism directed at Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), over security challenges.

In a statement shared on X, Peter Obi urged Nigerian youths not to allow themselves to be drawn into ethnic or religious divisions, warning that such tactics are often used to distract people and weaken national unity.

The criticism followed calls from some Nigerians for Pastor Adeboye to publicly condemn the government or lead protests against insecurity.

Their demands were partly based on a photograph circulating online that allegedly showed the cleric participating in a protest against former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.

However, RCCG dismissed the claim, explaining that the picture was taken during a prayer walk held under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari and was not linked to any political demonstration.

In his reaction, Peter Obi said the events surrounding the 2023 elections, especially in Lagos State, showed how public attention can easily be shifted away from governance, development, and accountability toward ethnic and identity-related arguments.

According to him, politicians who cannot win support through their ideas, achievements, or vision often rely on ethnic and religious sentiments to divide the public.

“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. Their calculation is simple: a divided people are easier to manipulate than a united people.

“Today, I see similar efforts emerging again, sometimes in more subtle and sophisticated ways. Narratives are planted, amplified, and circulated, often by individuals who genuinely believe they are defending a worthy cause, without recognising the broader agenda behind such campaigns,” he said.

Obi warned that many people unknowingly contribute to these campaigns by spreading messages and narratives without fully understanding the motives behind them.

He also defended Adeboye, describing him as a respected religious leader who has spent decades promoting peace, unity, love, and reconciliation across the country.

The former Anambra State governor said it was unfair to expect the 84-year-old cleric to take on responsibilities that should belong to younger Nigerians.

He stressed that the younger generation must take the lead in demanding reforms and pushing for positive change in the country.

“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.

“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,” Obi said.

Obi further advised Nigerians to fact-check information before sharing it, question suspicious narratives, and avoid being manipulated by individuals seeking to create division.

“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,” he added.

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