Presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, and former Minister of Education, Obiageli Ezekwesili, have called on Nigerians to refrain from directing their frustrations over insecurity and economic hardship at the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Enoch Adeboye.
In a post shared on his X account on Thursday, Obi likened the criticism currently being directed at Adeboye to the ethnic and religious tensions that characterized the period following the 2023 presidential election, particularly in Lagos. He argued that discussions that should have centred on governance, competence, and national development were instead diverted toward tribal and sectional divisions.
According to Obi, similar narratives are once again emerging, with individuals unknowingly amplifying messages capable of deepening divisions within the country.
Defending Adeboye, Obi described the cleric as one of Nigeria’s most respected spiritual leaders, noting that his ministry has consistently promoted peace, reconciliation, unity, and love.
“Pastor Adeboye remains one of the foremost fathers of faith in our nation. For decades, he has preached peace, prayer, love, reconciliation and national unity. Even in the face of provocation, he has consistently responded with humility, wisdom and grace,” Obi stated.
He further argued that it was unfair to place responsibility for Nigeria’s current challenges on an 84-year-old religious leader, insisting that the responsibility of building a better nation rests primarily with the younger generation and those entrusted with public leadership.
Similarly, Ezekwesili acknowledged the frustration many Nigerians feel about the country’s condition but maintained that Adeboye should not be made a target of public anger.
The former minister noted that the RCCG leader has spoken on national issues across different administrations and has never shied away from offering guidance when necessary.
“Pastor Adeboye is not our problem. He spoke in the 1990s, the early 2000s, in 2010, 2020 and 2025. He has spoken under different governments. The real question is whether we have been listening,” she said.
Ezekwesili added that Adeboye’s tendency to remain measured and restrained in the face of criticism reflects the spiritual wisdom for which he is widely known, describing him as a leader who has consistently demonstrated patience and grace.