Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has renewed his demand for the release of detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, insisting there is no justification for his continued incarceration.
According to a report by Punch Newspapers, Obi made the remarks during an interaction with Nigerians in Washington, D.C., United States, where he argued that Kanu should not remain in detention.
He said he has consistently maintained that the IPOB leader’s continued custody is unnecessary, adding that freedom of expression should not be criminalised.
“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,” Obi was quoted as saying.
He further argued that criticising public officials or calling them names should not amount to a criminal offence, noting that such behaviour is common in politics.
Obi said politicians are routinely subjected to insults and criticism, stressing that it should not form the basis for arrest or prosecution.
Drawing from his political experience, he said dialogue remains the most effective approach to addressing agitation and unrest in the country.
According to him, engaging aggrieved groups would help government better understand their grievances and work towards lasting solutions.
“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,” he added.
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Nnamdi Kanu’s conviction and sentence
Nnamdi 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.
The court found him guilty on multiple counts, including incitement, membership of a proscribed organisation, and alleged involvement in attacks linked to separatist activities in the South-East.
He has since rejected the judgment and filed an appeal, with his legal team insisting the trial was unfair and seeking to overturn the conviction.
