Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and former Minister of Education, Obiageli Ezekwesili, have appealed to Nigerians to stop directing their frustration over the country’s worsening insecurity and economic difficulties at the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Enoch Adeboye.
Both leaders argued that while citizens have legitimate concerns about the state of the nation, holding the respected cleric responsible for challenges such as insecurity and economic hardship is misplaced.
In a post shared on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday, Obi likened the criticism directed at Pastor Adeboye to the ethnic and religious tensions that nearly overshadowed issues of governance during the 2023 elections, particularly in Lagos State.
According to Obi, discussions that should have focused on leadership, competence, development, and national progress were gradually redirected toward tribal and ethnic sentiments, creating unnecessary divisions among Nigerians.
He cautioned that similar tactics appear to be resurfacing, with narratives being deliberately amplified and spread by individuals who may genuinely believe they are defending a just cause.
“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. It is unfair to transfer to an 84-year-old man, responsibilities that rightly belong to the younger generation. The task of building a better Nigeria rests primarily on the shoulders of the younger generation. We must be careful not to become instruments in the hands of those who secretly nurture division while publicly preaching unity.”
Echoing Obi’s position, Ezekwesili acknowledged the frustration many Nigerians feel about the country’s challenges but maintained that Pastor Adeboye should not be made a target of public anger.
She described the cleric as a spiritual leader deeply rooted in biblical teachings and noted that his habit of responding to criticism with restraint is a lesson she personally learned from him.
“Pastor Adeboye is not our problem. He speaks. He spoke in the 1990s.He spoke in the early 2000s. He spoke in 2010. He spoke in 2020. He spoke in 2025. He has spoken across administrations, regardless of who governed or governs as President. The real question is: How many of us were listening?”
The remarks from Obi and Ezekwesili come amid growing public concern over rising insecurity, economic hardship, and governance challenges across Nigeria.
Both leaders stressed the need for Nigerians to focus on constructive engagement, accountability, and national unity rather than directing blame at religious leaders who, they argue, have consistently advocated peace and moral values over the years.
Their comments have sparked fresh conversations about leadership responsibilities, citizen engagement, and the role of faith leaders in addressing national issues.
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