Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi has cautioned young Nigerians to resist narratives that exploit ethnicity and religion.

Obi warned the youth on Thursday that division remains a tool politicians use when they cannot compete on ideas or performance.

He recalled the 2023 election cycle in Lagos, insisting that public discourse shifted in the period between the presidential and governorship polls from issues of competence, governance and development towards tribal sentiments and suspicion among citizens.

"Many sincere and well-meaning Nigerians participated in these conversations without realising that they were being drawn into narratives carefully designed by others," Obi said. 

He argued that whenever politicians struggle to compete on vision or record, some resort to identity fault lines. 

"Their calculation is simple: a divided people are easier to manipulate than a united people," he said.

Obi said similar tactics appear to be resurfacing, often in more subtle forms, with narratives planted and amplified by individuals who believe they are defending a cause without seeing the broader agenda.

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He also addressed recent online criticism of Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG). 

Obi described Adeboye, 84, as "one of the foremost fathers of faith in our nation" who has consistently preached peace, reconciliation and national unity. 

He said it would be unfair for young, able-bodied Nigerians to transfer responsibilities that belong to them to the cleric.

"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," Obi stated.

He cautioned young people against becoming instruments for those who "secretly nurture division while publicly preaching unity," saying the real target of such campaigns is often national cohesion rather than the individual being attacked.

Obi closed with a direct appeal urging Nigerian youth to "Question every narrative. Verify every claim. Follow the facts. Resist manipulation. 

"The Nigeria of our dreams can only be built by citizens who refuse to be divided, who choose unity over hatred, and who place our collective future above narrow interests."