The National Democratic Congress Presidential (NDC) candidate, Peter Obi, has cautioned Nigerian youths against promoting ethnic and religious divisions and warned them not to drag religious leaders into political disputes.

Obi issued the warning Thursday on X following social media attacks on the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, regarding rising insecurity.

Some young Nigerians demanded that Adeboye speak out or lead protests against the Federal Government, referencing a viral photo they claimed showed him holding a placard during a demonstration against former President Goodluck Jonathan.

RCCG has dismissed the claim, stating the image was taken during a peaceful walk under the late President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration and had no connection to any political protest.

The former Anambra governor described 84-year-old Adeboye as a respected father of faith who has consistently advocated peace, love, reconciliation and national unity.

He said it is unfair for young Nigerians to shift responsibilities to the cleric that properly belong to them.

Obi stressed that the task of building a better Nigeria rests mainly on the younger generation, who must lead conversations, champion reforms and drive needed change.

“Let me state clearly that Pastor Enoch Adeboye remains one of the foremost fathers of faith in our nation. For decades, he has consistently preached the virtues of peace, prayer, love, reconciliation, and national unity. Even when faced with provocation, his response has always reflected humility, restraint, wisdom, and grace.

“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,” Obi said.

He urged Nigerians to verify information, question narratives and resist manipulation, adding that the country can only progress when citizens choose unity over hatred and place the collective future above narrow interests.

“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,” he added. (The Nation)