The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has reiterated his call for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, describing his continued detention as unjustifiable.
Obi made the remarks while interacting with Nigerians in Washington, D.C., United States, during a recent engagement organized by members of the Obidient Movement.
Speaking on Kanu’s detention, the former Anambra State governor argued that freedom of expression should not attract imprisonment, noting that criticism and name-calling are common features of political life.
“There is no reason whatsoever for keeping Nnamdi Kanu in detention. You cannot arrest someone because he spoke on the radio or called people names. It does not make sense,” Obi said.
Reflecting on his own experience as a politician, he stressed that public office holders are often subjected to criticism and should not view such actions as criminal offences.
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“I am a politician. People call me all sorts of names, and I do not see that as an offence,” he added.
Obi also outlined his preferred approach to handling agitations across the country, emphasizing dialogue over confrontation. According to him, engaging aggrieved groups would help government better understand their concerns and address the root causes of unrest.
“If I were in government today, I would engage and consult with all agitators. People usually have reasons for their actions, and dialogue is the best way to understand and resolve those issues,” he stated.
Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is currently serving a life sentence after being convicted on terrorism-related charges by a Federal High Court in Abuja in November 2025.
He has, however, appealed the judgment, with his legal team arguing that the trial was unfair and seeking to overturn both the conviction and sentence.