Former presidential candidate and political figure Peter Obi has publicly defended renowned cleric Enoch Adeboye following a wave of online criticism sparked by comments and interpretations surrounding the role of religious leaders in civic matters.
In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Obi praised Adeboye, the General Overseer of Redeemed Christian Church of God, while urging young Nigerians to resist divisive narratives rooted in ethnicity, religion, and political loyalty. His message comes at a time of heightened political sensitivity in Nigeria ahead of the 2027 election cycle.
The controversy began after RCCG addressed concerns circulating online about why an elderly religious leader should be associated with commentary or involvement in protests linked to Nigeria’s worsening economic conditions and insecurity challenges. Some social media users, particularly supporters aligned with Obi’s 2023 campaign movement, accused the church of indirectly shielding President Bola Tinubu’s administration. The claims quickly spread across platforms, fueling heated exchanges.
However, RCCG has since clarified its position, stating that its actions were based strictly on internal directives regarding prayer programs and church-led events. The church also dismissed what it described as misleading interpretations and false claims circulating online, stressing that it remains focused on spiritual guidance rather than political engagement.
Reacting to the unfolding debate, Obi emphasized the importance of verification and responsible communication in a digital age increasingly shaped by misinformation. He warned that Nigeria’s fragile social climate, marked by rising fuel prices, economic hardship, and persistent insecurity including kidnappings, could be further strained by unverified narratives and politically charged misinformation.
“We must learn to verify before we amplify,” Obi noted in his post, urging Nigerians, especially young people, to avoid being drawn into narratives that deepen divisions rather than promote accountability and national cohesion.
The exchange highlights the broader tension between religious influence, political discourse, and youth-driven online activism in Nigeria’s evolving democratic space. With social media playing a central role in shaping public opinion, analysts say incidents like this underscore the growing challenge of managing misinformation during politically sensitive periods.
As the country edges closer to another election cycle, calls for restraint, fact-checking, and unity are expected to intensify, especially from public figures seeking to calm rising tensions in an already polarized environment.