Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has said that young Nigerians should not expect Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), to take on the burden of rebuilding Nigeria at 84 years old.
Obi made the remarks in a post shared on X on Thursday, where he also urged youths to resist attempts by “self-centred” politicians to inflame ethnic divisions in the country.
The comments follow social media claims alleging that Adeboye protested during former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration but has remained silent amid current economic hardship and insecurity under President Bola Tinubu.
However, the RCCG had earlier dismissed the allegation, clarifying on Tuesday that the image circulating online was from a nationwide peace walk organised by churches under the directive of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Obi described Adeboye as one of Nigeria’s most respected spiritual leaders, noting his decades-long commitment to preaching peace, love, reconciliation, and national unity.
“Even when faced with provocation, his response has always reflected humility, restraint, wisdom and grace,” he said.
“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.”
On attempts to stir ethnic tension, Obi warned against divisive narratives circulating after the 2023 presidential election.
“FOLLOW FACTS – RESIST MANIPULATION”
He said national discussions that should have focused on governance and development were instead being distorted into ethnic and religious disputes.
“Many sincere and well-meaning Nigerians participated in these conversations without realising that they were being drawn into narratives carefully designed by others,” Obi said.
“Their calculation is simple: a divided people are easier to manipulate than a united people.”
He further cautioned Nigerians against becoming instruments of division.
“We must be careful not to become instruments in the hands of those who secretly nurture division while publicly preaching unity,” he said.
“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.”
Obi urged young Nigerians to reject hate-driven narratives.
“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,” he said.
“Question every narrative. Verify every claim. Follow the facts. Resist manipulation.
“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.”
In a related development, cleric Mike Bamiloye of Mount Zion Faith Ministries defended Adeboye, saying it was unreasonable to expect him to lead protests against the government, adding that the RCCG leader had previously spoken against insecurity and violence, though such statements were often underreported.
Meanwhile, Adeboye recently urged security chiefs to eliminate terrorists within 90 days or resign, as captured in a video shared on the church’s official X handle.
His remarks come amid rising insecurity in the country, including recent abductions and attacks. On Wednesday, gunmen abducted Olaide John-Paul, sister of former Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu, along with her twin sons in Ibadan.
On Sunday, four people were killed in an attack on the convoy of Ben Nwankwo, Chief of Staff to Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo.
