Peter Obi advises young Nigerians to resist ethnic and religious division before 2027 elections

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has warned young Nigerians not to fall for stories that use ethnicity, religion, and identity to divide them as the 2027 elections approach.

In an open letter shared on his X handle on Wednesday, Obi said that the future of Nigeria depends on citizens who stay united. He believes they should focus on skills, good governance, and national growth.

Obi pointed out that a major lesson from the 2023 elections, especially in Lagos, was how discussions shifted away from governance. Instead, talks moved towards ethnic and identity issues after the presidential election.

He stated that conversations should have been about skills, leadership, and development. But many people got caught up in “carefully designed narratives” that pushed tribal divides instead.

Obi also said that politicians without ideas or vision often turn to ethnic and religious divides. He explained that “a divided people are easier to manipulate than a united people.”

He warned that similar tactics are coming back before the 2027 elections, though they might be less obvious this time. He urged young Nigerians to think critically about the stories being pushed by those claiming to defend a good cause.

The former governor of Anambra State also supported Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG). He called Adeboye a respected faith leader who always preaches peace, love, and unity.

Obi said it is unfair to expect the 84-year-old cleric to take on responsibilities that younger Nigerians should handle. He emphasized that it is the youth's job to build a better Nigeria.

These comments come as online discussions grow, urging religious leaders to take a stronger role in addressing insecurity in Nigeria, especially under President Bola Tinubu's government. There have also been claims about Adeboye's past protests, but the church has previously said these stories are false.

Obi encouraged young Nigerians to check facts, question the stories they hear, and not let themselves be used to spread hate or division.

“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,” he warned.

In the upcoming 2027 presidential election, President Tinubu is expected to face significant challengers, including Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Peter Obi of the NDC.