The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has reiterated his call for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, saying there is no justification for the continued detention of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra.
Obi stated this during an interaction with Nigerians in Washington, D.C., United States, in a video that has been widely shared on social media.
According to the Obidient Movement, the visit took place a few days ago.
The former Anambra State governor said he had consistently maintained that Kanu should not remain in custody.
“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.
IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu
Drawing from his experience as a politician, Obi said public figures are often subjected to criticism and name-calling, which, according to him, should not be treated as a criminal offence.
“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 offence,” he stated.
Obi also said he would adopt dialogue in addressing agitations across the country if given the opportunity to lead.
According to him, engaging agitators would help the government understand the issues driving their demands and find lasting solutions.
“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 currently serving a life imprisonment sentence following his conviction on terrorism-related charges by a Federal High Court in Abuja in November 2025.
The court found him guilty of multiple counts bordering on incitement, membership of a proscribed organisation, and alleged involvement in attacks linked to separatist activities in the South-East.
He was sentenced to life imprisonment on some counts, with additional terms on others, which are to run concurrently.
Kanu has since rejected the judgment and proceeded to file an appeal, challenging both his conviction and sentence.
His legal team maintains that the trial was unfair and has urged the appellate court to overturn the ruling.