Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has cautioned young Nigerians against being drawn into ethnic and divisive narratives, warning that such tactics are often deployed by politicians who lack ideas, vision, and credible records to present to voters.
In a message addressed to young Nigerians on Thursday, Obi reflected on the lessons from the 2023 general elections, particularly in Lagos State, where political debates ahead of the governorship election became increasingly dominated by ethnic sentiments.
According to him, discussions that should have centered on governance, competence, development, and the country’s future were gradually overshadowed by tribal considerations and identity politics.
“One lesson from the 2023 elections, particularly in Lagos, should never be forgotten,” Obi said.
He noted that many Nigerians unknowingly became participants in conversations that were deliberately designed to create divisions among citizens.
“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.
The former Anambra State governor warned that similar patterns appear to be resurfacing ahead of future political contests, describing them as more subtle and sophisticated than before.
“Today, I see similar efforts emerging again, sometimes in more subtle and sophisticated ways. Narratives are planted, amplified, and circulated, often by individuals who genuinely believe they are defending a worthy cause, without recognizing the broader agenda behind such campaigns,” he said.
Obi also defended the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Enoch Adeboye, describing him as a national figure who has consistently preached peace, reconciliation, and unity.
“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.
He argued that the responsibility of transforming Nigeria should not be placed on elderly religious leaders but on the younger generation.
“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,” he added.
Calling on young Nigerians to remain vigilant, Obi urged them not to allow themselves to be used as tools for spreading hatred or division.
“We must be careful not to become instruments in the hands of those who secretly nurture division while publicly preaching unity,” he warned.
He further advised citizens to critically evaluate information before accepting or sharing it.
“Question every narrative. Verify every claim. Follow the facts. Resist manipulation.”
Obi concluded by stressing that Nigeria’s progress depends on citizens choosing unity over division and placing the country’s collective future above narrow ethnic, religious, or political interests.
“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 said.