Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has restated his opposition to the continued detention of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, insisting that imprisonment is not the answer to the grievances fueling agitation in parts of the country.
Speaking during an interactive session with Nigerians in Washington, D.C., United States, Obi said his position on Kanu’s case has remained unchanged, stressing that dialogue should take precedence over punitive measures in addressing separatist agitations and related concerns.
A video of the event, which was shared by members of the Obidient Movement and has since circulated widely on social media, indicated that the engagement took place a few days ago.
Commenting on Kanu’s detention, the former Anambra State governor argued that there was no justification for keeping the IPOB leader in custody, maintaining that expressing opinions or criticising public officials should not amount to 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 whatsoever,” Obi said.
“You cannot arrest somebody because he was speaking on the radio or calling people’s names. It doesn’t make sense.”
Drawing from his experience in public office, Obi noted that politicians are often subjected to criticism and verbal attacks, adding that such expressions should not ordinarily attract criminal sanctions.
“I’m a politician. People call me all sorts of names. I don’t think calling me names is an offence,” he added.
The NDC presidential candidate also outlined what he described as a consultative approach to resolving tensions across Nigeria, arguing that meaningful engagement remains the most effective path to lasting peace.
According to him, governments should focus on understanding the grievances behind agitations rather than relying solely on force or detention.
“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 they have a reason for whatever they want to do. It is only through engagement that we can understand and solve the problem,” he said.
Kanu, the leader of IPOB, is currently pursuing legal efforts to overturn his conviction and life sentence handed down by a Federal High Court in Abuja in November 2025 on terrorism-related charges.
The court found him guilty on multiple counts, including incitement, membership of a proscribed organisation, and activities linked to separatist operations in the South-East.
Following the judgment, Kanu rejected the verdict and filed an appeal challenging both his conviction and sentence. His legal team has consistently maintained that the trial was unfair, while the case continues to generate significant public and political debate.
Despite the conviction, Obi insisted that consultation, dialogue, and engagement remain the most effective means of addressing agitations and resolving conflicts across the country.
