Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has called for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, saying he sees no valid reason for the continued imprisonment of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Obi made the remarks while speaking with Nigerians during a recent meeting in Washington, D.C., in the United States.
During the discussion, Peter Obi said he has always believed that Nnamdi Kanu should not remain in detention.
He argued that expressing opinions on radio or speaking critically about others should not be treated as a criminal offence.
“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,” he said.
Using himself as an example, Obi said politicians are often criticised and called different names by the public, adding that such actions are part of political life and should not lead to arrest.
“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,” he stated.
Peter Obi also said that if he were in government, he would use dialogue instead of confrontation to deal with agitations across the country.
He explained that engaging with groups behind such movements would help the government better understand their concerns and find 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,” Obi added.
Nnamdi Kanu is serving a life sentence after being convicted on terrorism-related charges by a Federal High Court in Abuja in November 2025.
He was found guilty on several counts, including incitement, belonging to a proscribed organisation, and alleged involvement in attacks linked to separatist activities in the South-East.
The court handed Kanu a life sentence on some charges, while additional prison terms on other counts are to run at the same time.
Nnamdi Kanu has rejected the court’s decision and has appealed both his conviction and sentence.
His lawyers argue that the trial was not fair and are asking the appellate court to overturn the judgment.
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