ABUJA, Nigeria — Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has urged young Nigerians not to allow themselves to be drawn into ethnic and religious divisions, warning that such narratives are often used to distract citizens from important issues of governance and national development.
Reflecting on the 2023 elections, particularly in Lagos, Obi said political discussions that should have centred on competence, leadership and the country’s future were instead overtaken by tribal sentiments and suspicion among citizens. He argued that politicians who struggle to compete on ideas and performance sometimes exploit ethnic and religious differences because a divided population is easier to influence.
Okay News reports that Obi warned of what he described as renewed attempts to spread divisive narratives ahead of future political contests. He said many people unknowingly participate in campaigns that appear genuine on the surface but are ultimately designed to weaken national unity and create distrust among Nigerians.
The former Anambra State governor also defended Pastor Enoch Adeboye, describing the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God as a respected religious leader who has consistently promoted peace, prayer, reconciliation and national unity throughout his ministry. Obi said it would be unfair to place responsibilities that belong to younger generations on the 84-year-old cleric.
According to him, the responsibility of building a better Nigeria rests largely with the country’s youth, who must lead conversations on reforms and national progress. He urged young Nigerians to question information they receive, verify claims before sharing them, and resist efforts to use ethnicity, religion or admiration for public figures as tools for division.
Obi said Nigeria’s future depends on citizens choosing unity over hatred and placing the country’s collective interests above narrow personal or group interests.
