Former Anambra State Governor and presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has renewed his call for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, maintaining that there is no justification for the continued detention of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Obi made the remarks during an interaction with Nigerians in Washington, D.C., United States, in a video that has gained widespread attention on social media.
According to the Obidient Movement, the engagement took place a few days ago.
Reaffirming a position he says he has consistently held, Obi argued that Kanu should not remain in custody.
“I said it repeatedly that there’s no reason for keeping Nnamdi Kanu. As far as I’m concerned, there’s no reason, no reason whatsoever.
“You cannot arrest somebody because he was speaking on the radio or calling people’s names. It doesn’t make sense.”
The former presidential candidate drew from his experience in politics, stating that public figures are frequently subjected to criticism and name-calling, which he believes should not be treated as a criminal matter.
“I’m a politician. People call me all sorts of names. And I don’t think calling me names has anything to do with… It’s not an offence.”
Obi Advocates Dialogue With Agitators
Beyond Kanu’s case, Obi reiterated his belief that dialogue remains the most effective way to address agitations and grievances across the country.
He said that if given the opportunity to govern, he would prioritise engagement and consultation with groups expressing dissatisfaction, arguing that understanding their concerns is essential to finding lasting solutions.
“Even all agitators, if I’m in government today, I will discuss with them. I will engage with them.
“I will consult with them. Because I believe that they have a reason for whatever they want to do. It’s only by engaging them that we’ll learn and see how we can solve it. But I am not in a position to do anything today.”
According to Obi, open communication between government authorities and agitating groups would create an opportunity to identify underlying issues and address them through peaceful means.
Kanu Continues Appeal Against Conviction
Nnamdi Kanu, leader of IPOB, is currently serving a life imprisonment sentence following his conviction on terrorism-related charges by a Federal High Court in Abuja in November 2025.
The court found him guilty on multiple counts, including incitement, membership of a proscribed organisation and alleged involvement in attacks connected to separatist activities in Nigeria’s South-East region.
He received life imprisonment on some charges, while additional sentences on other counts are running concurrently.
Kanu has rejected the judgment and has since filed an appeal challenging both the conviction and the sentence imposed by the court.
His legal team continues to argue that the trial process was unfair and has asked the appellate court to overturn the ruling.
Author
