By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election and Presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Party (NDP) Peter Obi, has cautioned young Nigerians against being drawn into divisive ethnic and religious narratives, warning that such tactics are often deployed by politicians who lack credible ideas and vision.
In an open letter released on his X handle addressed to young Nigerians on Thursday, Obi reflected on the lessons of the 2023 general elections, particularly in Lagos, where he said political discourse shifted from issues of governance, competence and development to conversations centred on tribal sentiments and ethnic divisions.
According to him, many Nigerians unknowingly became participants in narratives deliberately designed to create suspicion and disunity among citizens.
The former Anambra State governor noted that throughout history, politicians who struggle to compete on the basis of performance, character and ideas often resort to exploiting ethnic, religious and identity differences to achieve their objectives.
He warned that similar attempts are beginning to re-emerge ahead of future political contests, describing them as more subtle and sophisticated than before.
Obi said some of the narratives being circulated are amplified by individuals who genuinely believe they are defending a just cause, without realising they may be serving a broader agenda aimed at dividing Nigerians.
He also came to the defence of Enoch Adeboye, describing the cleric as one of Nigeria’s foremost fathers of faith who has consistently promoted peace, prayer, reconciliation and national unity over several decades.
Obi argued that it would be unfair for young Nigerians to place responsibilities that rightly belong to them on the shoulders of the 84-year-old religious leader, stressing that the task of building a better Nigeria rests primarily with the younger generation.
He urged youths to take ownership of national conversations, champion reforms and drive the positive changes needed across the country.
The former presidential candidate further cautioned Nigerians against becoming tools in the hands of individuals who secretly encourage division while publicly advocating unity.
According to him, the ultimate target of such campaigns is not necessarily the individual being criticised but the erosion of the bonds that unite Nigerians as one people.
Obi therefore called on young Nigerians to reject hatred, resist attempts to weaponise ethnicity and religion, and avoid being manipulated through loyalty to prominent figures.
“Question every narrative. Verify every claim. Follow the facts. Resist manipulation,” he urged.
He maintained that Nigeria’s progress depends on citizens who choose unity over division and place the country’s collective future above narrow interests, reiterating his belief that “a New Nigeria is possible.”
