2027 NDC Presidential candidate, Peter Obi
Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has urged young Nigerians to remain vigilant against divisive narratives capable of fueling ethnic and religious tensions, drawing lessons from the political climate that followed the 2023 general elections.
In a message shared on his X account, Obi reflected on developments surrounding the 2023 presidential and governorship elections in Lagos State, warning that political actors often exploit identity politics when they are unable to compete on competence, ideas, and performance.
According to him, public discussions that should have centered on governance, development, and the nation’s future were gradually overtaken by conversations driven by tribal sentiments and ethnic divisions.
“One lesson from the 2023 elections, particularly in Lagos, should never be forgotten,” Obi stated.
“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.”
The former Anambra State governor noted that many Nigerians unknowingly became participants in narratives designed to create division 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,” he said.
Obi argued that throughout history, politicians who struggle to compete based on vision, character, and performance often resort to exploiting existing social fault lines.
“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 further expressed concern over what he described as the re-emergence of similar narratives in contemporary political discourse.
“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.”
Obi also defended the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, describing him as a respected spiritual leader whose contributions to peace and national unity should not be overlooked.
“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.”
The former presidential candidate stressed that the responsibility of nation-building should not be shifted to elderly leaders but embraced by younger Nigerians.
“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 warned that some individuals who publicly advocate unity may secretly promote division for political gains, urging Nigerians not to become tools in such agendas.
“We must be careful not to become instruments in the hands of those who secretly nurture division while publicly preaching unity. In most cases, their target is not the individual being attacked; instead, it is the person who is attacking. Their real objective is to weaken the bonds that hold us together as one people and one nation.”
He called on citizens, especially young people, to critically assess information before accepting or sharing it.
“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.”
Obi concluded by emphasizing that Nigeria’s progress depends on citizens choosing unity over division and prioritizing the country’s collective future.
“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.”
“A New Nigeria is POssible.”
