Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has cautioned young Nigerians against expecting Enoch Adeboye, general overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), to take on the responsibility of national reform at 84 years of age.
Obi made his position known in a Thursday post on X, where he also urged youths to resist attempts by “self-centred” politicians to inflame ethnic tensions across the country.
The remarks come amid online claims suggesting Adeboye once participated in protests during former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration but has remained silent under President Bola Tinubu’s government despite worsening economic hardship and insecurity.
The church, however, dismissed the claim on Tuesday, explaining that the viral image in circulation was taken during a nationwide peace walk organised by churches under a directive from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Obi described Adeboye as one of Nigeria’s most respected men of faith, noting that he has spent decades preaching peace, love, reconciliation, and 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.”
Follow facts, resist manipulation
Obi also warned against deliberate attempts to exploit ethnic and religious divisions, saying similar patterns were witnessed after the 2023 presidential election.
He said national discourse should have focused on governance and development, but was instead diverted into tribal sentiments and suspicion.
“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 urged Nigerians not to fall victim to divisive narratives disguised as patriotic concerns.
“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 further called on young Nigerians to reject hate-driven narratives and avoid being used as tools of division.
“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.”
Meanwhile, amid the controversy surrounding Adeboye, Mike Bamiloye, founder of Mount Zion Faith Ministries, defended the cleric, saying it was unrealistic to expect him to lead protests against government actions.
He added that Adeboye had consistently spoken against insecurity, but his statements were often misrepresented online.
Adeboye recently urged security chiefs to eliminate terrorists within 90 days or resign, in a video shared on the church’s X handle.
The country continues to grapple with rising insecurity, including recent abductions in Oyo and attacks in Anambra State.