By Monsurat Abisoye
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has renewed his call for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, insisting there is no justification for his continued detention as 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 widely circulated on social media. The Obidient Movement confirmed that the engagement took place a few days earlier.
The former Anambra State governor maintained that he has consistently argued that Kanu should not remain in custody, stressing that his detention over public comments is unjustifiable.
“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.
Obi further noted that public figures are routinely criticised and insulted, adding that such actions should not be treated as criminal offences. “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 added.
He also stated that if given the opportunity to lead, he would prioritise dialogue with agitators across the country, arguing that engagement would help government better understand their grievances 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,” he said, while noting that he currently holds no position to act on it.
Kanu, the leader of IPOB, is currently serving a life imprisonment sentence following his conviction by a Federal High Court in Abuja in November 2025 on terrorism-related charges. He was found guilty of multiple counts, including incitement, membership of a proscribed organisation, and alleged involvement in attacks linked to separatist activities in the South-East.
He received life imprisonment on some counts, with additional concurrent sentences. However, Kanu has rejected the judgment and filed an appeal challenging both his conviction and sentencing, while his legal team insists the trial was unfair and has urged the appellate court to overturn the ruling.
