‘There is no reason keeping Nnamdi Kanu in prison’ – Peter Obi 

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has renewed his call for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, arguing that there is no justification for his continued incarceration.

Obi made the remarks during an engagement with Nigerians in Washington, D.C., United States, where he also advocated dialogue as a more effective approach to addressing agitations and separatist sentiments across the country.

A video of the interaction, which has since circulated widely on social media, was shared by members of the Obidient Movement, who said the event took place a few days ago.

Speaking on Kanu’s case, Obi maintained that he had consistently opposed the continued detention of the IPOB leader, insisting that expressing views or criticising public officials should not be criminalised.

“I said it repeatedly that there’s no reason for keeping Nnamdi Kanu. As far as I’m concerned, there is 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, the former Anambra governor noted that politicians are frequently subjected to criticism and verbal attacks, stressing 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.

Obi also outlined what he described as a consultative approach to resolving tensions and agitations in different parts of the country, saying meaningful engagement remains the best path to lasting peace.

According to him, governments should seek to understand the grievances driving such movements rather than rely solely on coercive measures.

“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, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is currently serving a life sentence following his conviction 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 alleged involvement in activities linked to separatist violence in the South-East.