Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has defended the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Enoch Adeboye, while warning Nigerians against the dangers of ethnic and religious politics ahead of the 2027 elections.
Obi, in a statement issued on Thursday, described Adeboye as a symbol of peace, humility and national unity, and cautioned that political actors who lack competence-driven arguments often resort to identity-based narratives to influence public sentiment.
He said Nigerians must resist such tendencies, arguing that the country’s democratic growth depends on issue-based engagement rather than division along ethnic or religious lines.
Reflecting on the 2023 general elections, particularly in Lagos State, Obi said public conversations were deliberately diverted away from governance and development concerns into identity politics.
“Dear Young Nigerians, one lesson from the 2023 elections, particularly in Lagos, should never be forgotten,” Obi stated.
He added, “In the period following the presidential election and leading up to the governorship election, we witnessed a troubling shift in public discourse.
“Conversations that should have focused on competence, governance, development, and the future of our nation were gradually diverted towards tribal sentiments, ethnic divisions, and unnecessary suspicion among citizens.
“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 such developments should serve as a warning ahead of future elections, stressing that divisive politics weakens national cohesion and distracts from the urgent task of national development.
He called on young Nigerians in particular to remain vigilant and avoid being used as instruments in identity-driven political contests, insisting that leadership debates must remain anchored on performance, vision and competence rather than ethnicity or religion.
