The Nigerian Democratic Congress’ presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has reaffirmed his appeal for Nnamdi Kanu’s release, saying there is no justification for the Indigenous People of Biafra leader’s continuing arrest.
Obi made this statement in a video that has gone viral on social media during his engagement with Nigerians in Washington, D.C., United States.
According to the Obidient Movement, the visit happened a few days ago.
The former Anambra State governor stated that he had constantly advocated that Kanu should not be held in detention.
“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.
Speaking from his experience as a politician, Obi said public figures are regularly subjected to criticism and name-calling, which, according to him, should not be punished as a criminal act.
“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 offense,” he stated.
Obi stated that if given the opportunity to lead, he would use dialogue to solve agitations around the country.
He believes that engaging agitators will help the government understand their demands and develop permanent answers.
“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.
Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, is presently receiving a life sentence after being convicted of terrorism-related charges by a Federal High Court in Abuja in November 2025.
The court found him guilty on multiple counts of incitement, membership in a proscribed organization, and alleged involvement in attacks related to separatist activity in the South-East.
He was sentenced to life in prison on several counts, as well as additional terms that will run consecutively.
Kanu has already rejected the judgment and filed an appeal, contesting both his conviction and punishment.
His legal team maintains that the trial was unfair and has asked the appellate court to overturn the decision.
