Nigerian youths should be responsible and not expect Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the general overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, to fight for their rights to a better future, says Peter Obi.

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress explained that Mr Adeboye could not lead the campaign for a brighter future due to his advanced age. The politician urged the youths to speak and stand up for their rights to protect their future.

“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,” Mr Obi said. “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.”

Mr Obi urged his followers and other Nigerians to stay focused on issues and not fall for social media debates that divert attention from issues confronting the country ahead of the 2027 elections and instigate them to hate hate.

“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,” Mr Obi explained. “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.”

Recently, Mr Adeboye’s church issued a statement to deflect criticisms against its spiritual leader. RCCG insisted on not being a political party.

“Pastor Adeboye is a clergyman, not the commander-in-chief of the armed forces. Nevertheless, he has not remained silent. Pastor Adeboye and RCCG are not responsible for the current challenges facing the nation. RCCG is not a political party. Pastor Adeboye does not hold political office and was not elected into government,” said the RCCG.