The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has urged Nigerian youths to resist ongoing attempts by political actors to exploit ethnic and religious fault lines ahead of the nation’s future elections.
He made the call in a statement posted on his X page on Thursday.
The former governor of Anambra State reflected on the 2023 elections, particularly in Lagos, where he noted a troubling shift from debates over governance and competence toward tribal suspicion and division.
Obi cautioned that history often repeats itself when politicians, unable to compete on the merit of their ideas or character, resort to identity politics to divide the electorate.
📢 Stay Updated — Join Our WhatsApp Channel
💬 Be Part of Our WhatsApp Community
Join our WhatsApp Channel for curated updates, breaking stories, and exclusive insights from our newsroom.
📲 Join 👉 NRTC WhatsApp Channel
He pointed out that many well-meaning citizens are often unknowingly drawn into sophisticated narratives designed by others to weaken national unity.
He stressed that a divided populace is significantly easier to manipulate than a united one, urging the younger generation to question every claim and verify facts before becoming emotional instruments in the hands of political strategists.
“I urge all young Nigerians: do not allow anyone to recruit you into hatred,” Obi stated.
READ MORE: BREAKING: Peter Obi dumps ADC, cites ‘toxic’ politics
“Do not allow anyone to weaponise your ethnicity, your faith, or your admiration for respected leaders. Question every narrative. Verify every claim. Follow the facts. Resist manipulation.”
“Fathers of faith”
He also addressed recent public discourse surrounding the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye.
Describing him as a foremost father of faith who has consistently preached peace and national reconciliation, Obi argued that it is unfair to target the 84-year-old cleric with political expectations.
He maintained that at Adeboye’s age, it is inappropriate for young and able-bodied Nigerians to transfer the responsibility of national transformation to him, insisting that the burden of reform rests squarely on the shoulders of the youth.
“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,” Obi remarked.
🔍 Explore More
- NRTC English Knowledge Base – Learn, improve, and sharpen your English skills.
- Top Stories From Around the World – Stay informed with the latest global news and insights.
- Specially Curated Listicles – Discover interesting lists, guides, and deep dives selected for our readers.
- Stay Updated: Join our mailing list and never miss the latest articles and updates from NRTC.
“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.”
He reiterated his signature mantra that a new Nigeria is possible, but only if citizens choose unity over narrow interests.
He emphasised that the primary objective of those planting divisive narratives is often not the person being attacked, but the attackers themselves, whom they seek to isolate and weaken.
READ MORE: “End bloodshed in politics” – Peter Obi urges leaders
He urged the youth to remain the engine of the nation’s future by placing collective progress above the “fault lines” of ethnicity and religion.
He noted that the Nigeria of their dreams depends on their refusal to be divided.
