₦airaland Forum

Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has defended Pastor Enoch Adeboye against recent criticisms over his alleged role in the cancellation of a planned protest, warning Nigerians against narratives that could deepen ethnic and social divisions.

In a statement posted on his verified X account on Thursday, Obi said Nigerians must learn from the experiences of the 2023 elections, particularly in Lagos, where political discourse shifted from issues of governance and competence to ethnic and tribal sentiments.


According to him, conversations that should have focused on development and the future of the country were diverted into divisive debates that weakened national cohesion.





“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,” Obi said.

He warned that similar tactics were beginning to re-emerge ahead of future political contests, with narratives being deliberately amplified to create suspicion and division among citizens.

The former Anambra governor said many people unknowingly become participants in campaigns designed to pit Nigerians against one another.


Addressing criticisms directed at Adeboye, Obi described the cleric as one of the nation’s foremost religious leaders whose message over the decades has consistently centred on peace, prayer, reconciliation and national unity.


“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,” he stated.

Obi added that even in the face of criticism and provocation, Adeboye had continued to respond with “humility, restraint, wisdom, and grace.”

The former presidential candidate argued that younger Nigerians should not place the burden of solving the country’s challenges on elderly leaders, stressing that responsibility for driving reforms and national development rests largely with 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,” he said.


Obi urged citizens, particularly young people, to be vigilant against attempts to manipulate them through ethnic, religious or identity-based narratives.


“I therefore urge all young Nigerians: do not allow anyone to recruit you into hatred. Question every narrative. Verify every claim. Follow the facts. Resist manipulation,” he said.

He maintained that Nigeria’s progress depends on citizens choosing unity over division and placing the country’s collective future above narrow interests.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/06/obi-defends-pastor-adeboye-warns-nigerians-against-ethnic-division/

He don Dey come again…hypocrisy turned campaign strategy,he has turned to PA to daddy GO

A.P.C. data boys in Nairaland won’t love this statement they will avoid this post.. I love how they are making Peter Obi popular..other presidential candidates like PRP,AAC are not even mentioned on daily basis 😂😂😂

I am surprised obi would throw his tribemen under the bus for personal gain

We all know the group that carry this adeboye matter for head

You would think Dem ogbueli, are not also G.O that can make difference they crying for

Bentacur007:
A.P.C. data boys in Nairaland won’t love this statement they will avoid this post.. I love how they are making Peter Obi popular..other presidential candidates like PRP,AAC are not even mentioned on daily base😂😂😂

you are the one masturba*** on pitobi here and later claiming otherwise

Are you not confused that he nor join una fight adeboye again, he throw una under bus

I know even obi too small to tame una from still cursing him

Legitiscool:
I am surprised obi would throw his tribemen under the bus for personal gain

We all know the group that carry this adeboye matter for head

You would think Dem ogbueli, are not also G.O that can make difference they crying for

The woman that called Adeboye out is Yoruba but you like to call Igbos. Obi is a detribalised Nigerian. That's why the headquater of Obidient Movement is outside south east.

Macphenson:
The woman that called Adeboye out is Yoruba but you like to call Igbos. Obi is a ditibaliased Nigerian. That's why the headquater of Obidient Movement is in South West.

no shift goal post, since 2015 we know the tribe that has been calling for adeboye head

The one that it's supreme leader ordered to kill him and stop attending their churches

Lanretoye:
He don Dey come again…hypocrisy turned campaign strategy,he has turned to PA to daddy GO

You are bitter because Obi didn't fall into the trap set by you devils.

The Dovider-n-Chief is here condemning what exactly ?

He thinks we have all forgotten his Yes Daddy Tapes

Legitiscool:
you are the one masturba*** on pitobi here and later claiming otherwise

Are you not confused that he nor join una fight adeboye again, he throw una under bus

I know even obi too small to tame una from still cursing him

I love that you mentioned his name again

SonOfEl:
You are bitter because Obi didn't fall into the trap set by you devils.

Obi is very smarter than them..
They said he won’t appear in the ballot paper..😂😂😂
They said Kwankwaso will deceive him and take the presidential candidate in A.P.C.
They said Kwankwaso can never be his VP..
They are still crying more and more

Legitiscool:
I am surprised obi would throw his tribemen under the bus for personal gain

We all know the group that carry this adeboye matter for head

You would think Dem ogbueli, are not also G.O that can make difference they crying for

You better return to Primary 6 and write Common Entrance exam again. Nigeria has almost 500 ethnic Groups but your brain told you any criticism of the bad state of the country is done by the Igbos, shame on your IQ.

Macphenson:
The woman that called Adeboye out is Yoruba but you like to call Igbos. Obi is a detribalised Nigerian. That's why the headquater of Obidient Movement is in South West.

They did not attack the woman.. I don’t know what they want ..
People are protesting against oyo killing but they won’t say anything
I have said it several times once you enter A.P.C. or support A.P.C. they will take your brain first..even if their family members d*es in any killings or attack they won’t bother because their thinking faculty have been removed

May Jesus deliver Nigeria from the hypocrites

Lanretoye:
He don Dey come again…hypocrisy turned campaign strategy,he has turned to PA to daddy GO

Who do you this kind thing

You spend since Monday defending Baba Adeboye.

Now PO did the same thing you have been doing since Monday, you come day cry 😢

Sorry ooo

Tenses:
Who do you this kind thing

You spend since Monday defending Baba Adeboye.

Now PO did the same thing you have been doing since Monday, you come day cry 😢

Sorry ooo

if you don’t bring one of my posts defending adeboye,make your two eyes forfeit you.

Lanretoye:
if you don’t bring one of my posts defending adeboye,make your two eyes forfeit you.

Tell me one evidence any Tulumbu data boy has ever presented on the achievements of Tulumbu on security of lives and property of Nigerians, then I will start taking your type serious.

None ….. so park one side first

Lanretoye:
if you don’t bring one of my posts defending adeboye,make your two eyes forfeit you.

Give me your second moniker.

Curse bandits wey kidnapped and killed your people nah.

Tenses:
Give me your second moniker.

Curse bandits wey kidnapped and killed your people nah.

that’s why you keep losing,all your lives are based on sentiment and emotions and no fact.

Yes Daddy

Agba is making a fuss about Pastor agba Seems like a good reason to praise them, eh? And they’s a champion of unity.

Obi, obi

Macphenson:
The woman that called Adeboye out is Yoruba but you like to call Igbos. Obi is a detribalised Nigerian. That's why the headquater of Obidient Movement is in South West.

so d headquarter of obidient is no longer Edo?


Abi Edo don turn south west?