The 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, has stated that he would consider releasing the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, if he becomes the president of Nigeria.
Obi made the statement while speaking to Nigerians in Washington, where he discussed issues surrounding national unity, dialogue, and the handling of agitations across the country.
The former Anambra State governor explained that, in his opinion, the Nigerian government has no justification for keeping Nnamdi Kanu in detention because of comments and criticisms made through Radio Biafra.
According to Obi, political disagreements and harsh statements should not automatically result in imprisonment, adding that public figures often face criticism and name-calling as part of political life.
He said: “There’s no reason for keeping Nnamdi Kanu. I will free Nnamdi Kanu as President, 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.
“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, it’s not an offence.”
Obi further stated that if he assumes office, he would engage with different groups involved in agitations across Nigeria through dialogue rather than ignoring their concerns.
He explained that understanding the reasons behind different movements is important for achieving peace and stability, saying communication remains a major tool for resolving conflicts.
He added: “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, but I’m not in a position to do anything today.”
The comments have continued to generate reactions among Nigerians, especially as discussions around political reforms, national security, and regional concerns remain active ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of IPOB, is currently serving a life imprisonment sentence at the Sokoto Correctional Centre after legal proceedings connected to allegations involving the group and related activities.
The issue remains one of the major conversations surrounding human rights, freedom of expression, and the government’s approach toward separatist movements in Nigeria.
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