_“Do not allow anyone to recruit you into hatred,” former LP presidential candidate says_
*ABUJA* — Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi has urged young Nigerians to reject divisive narratives based on ethnicity and religion, warning that politicians who cannot compete on ideas often resort to exploiting identity fault lines.
In a statement addressed to “Dear Young Nigerians,” Obi reflected on the 2023 elections, particularly in Lagos, saying the period between the presidential and governorship polls saw public discourse shift dangerously from competence and governance to “tribal sentiments, ethnic divisions, and unnecessary suspicion among citizens.”
“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,” he said.
*“Divided people are easier to manipulate”*
Obi cautioned that many well-meaning Nigerians were drawn into those narratives without realizing they were “carefully designed by others.”
“Throughout history, whenever politicians find it difficult to compete on ideas, performance, character, or vision, some resort to exploiting the fault lines of ethnicity, religion, and identity. Their calculation is simple: a divided people are easier to manipulate than a united people,” he stated.
He added that similar efforts are re-emerging in “more subtle and sophisticated ways,” with narratives “planted, amplified, and circulated, often by individuals who genuinely believe they are defending a worthy cause, without recognizing the broader agenda.”
*Defends Pastor Adeboye, places burden on youth*
Obi also defended Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, describing him as “one of the foremost fathers of faith in our nation” who 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,” Obi said.
At 84, Adeboye should not bear responsibilities that belong to younger citizens, Obi argued.
“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,” he said.
*Call to resist division*
Obi warned youth against becoming “instruments in the hands of those who secretly nurture division while publicly preaching unity,” noting that the real target is often not the person being attacked but national cohesion.
“I therefore urge all young Nigerians: 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.
“Question every narrative. Verify every claim. Follow the facts. Resist manipulation,” he said.
He concluded that a new Nigeria 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.”
“A New Nigeria is POssible,” Obi wrote on his verified X handle.
