No Reason To Keep Nnamdi Kanu In Prison – Peter Obi Insists

The 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has condemned the continuous detention of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, said if elected President, his administration would engage separatist agitators and other groups with grievances through dialogue rather than force.

Naija News understands that Obi spoke during an interaction with Nigerians in Washington, where he argued that Kanu should not be kept in detention over comments he allegedly made on Radio Biafra.

‘No Reason To Keep Kanu’

Obi said criticism of political leaders, including insults or name-calling, should not be treated as a criminal offence.

He maintained that public office holders must be prepared to face criticism from citizens, adding that detaining people over their comments was not the right approach to governance.

He said, “There’s no reason for keeping Nnamdi Kanu. There is no reason whatsoever. He has done nothing wrong; the government has no reason to arrest him because he was speaking and calling people names on radio. It doesn’t make sense.”

The former governor said politicians are frequently criticised by members of the public, but such comments should not lead to arrests or detention.

“Anybody can tell you anything. I’m a politician and people call me all sorts of names and I don’t think calling me names is an offence,” he added.

Obi stressed that if elected president in 2027, his administration would prioritise dialogue in dealing with separatist groups and other aggrieved Nigerians.

According to him, it is important for the government to understand the reasons behind agitations rather than dismissing those involved.

He said, “If I am in government today, I will discuss with all agitators because I believe that they have a reason for whatever they want to do and it’s only by engaging them that we would learn.”

The NDC candidate said engagement would help the government identify the roots of grievances and find lasting solutions to issues threatening national unity.

Speaking on election matters, Obi said unless the Nigerians decide that their vote will count, it will not count.

Watch the video clip below.

Naija News reports that Kanu has been in the custody of the Federal Government over terrorism charges and his activities as the leader of IPOB.

His continued detention has remained a major issue in the South-East, with several political, religious and traditional leaders repeatedly calling for his release.