The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has urged Nigerian youths to take full responsibility for driving national change, warning against expecting religious leaders such as Pastor Enoch Adeboye to lead civic or political struggles on their behalf.
Obi said while the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Enoch Adeboye, remains a respected spiritual father, it would be inappropriate for young Nigerians to shift their civic duties to him because of his age.
“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 said, stressing that leadership and national renewal must come from the younger generation.
He described Adeboye as a long-standing moral voice in the country, praising his consistency in preaching peace, unity, and restraint.
“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,” Obi said. “Even when faced with provocation, his response has always reflected humility, restraint, wisdom, and grace.”
Obi urged youths to be actively involved in shaping Nigeria’s future rather than being drawn into online controversies that distract from pressing national issues ahead of the 2027 elections.
“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 added.
He also warned against manipulation through social media narratives designed to sow division among Nigerians.
“We must be careful not to become instruments in the hands of those who secretly nurture division while publicly preaching unity,” Obi cautioned. “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.”
Reacting to criticisms directed at its leader, the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Redeemed Christian Church of God, clarified that Pastor Adeboye is not a political actor and should not be held responsible for Nigeria’s governance challenges.
“Pastor Adeboye is a clergyman, not the commander-in-chief of the armed forces. Nevertheless, he has not remained silent,” the church said. “RCCG is not a political party. Pastor Adeboye does not hold political office and was not elected into government.”
