Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has sparked renewed national debate by openly criticizing the Federal Government over the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Speaking during a live interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics on July 6, Obi questioned the logic behind keeping Kanu in custody, describing it as senseless and counterproductive to national unity.
Obi, known for his calm yet firm stance on national issues, said Nigeria needs political solutions to complex grievances, not endless prosecutions. He argued that the allegations against Kanu, mostly centered around inflammatory or insulting language, do not justify prolonged incarceration, especially in a country where insecurity and hunger are the daily realities for millions.
“Why is he still being held? It does not make sense to me,” Obi said bluntly. “Some people say it’s because he used vulgar words. I’ve not seen it, but even if he did, it doesn’t bother me. If I’m president and someone calls me a thief or an idiot, which they already do, it wouldn’t bother me. My priority would be to make sure the common man has food on the table.”
Obi emphasized that leadership should be about solving real problems, not taking offense at insults. He reiterated that true governance lies in engaging with grievances, not suppressing them.
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When asked if he would adopt dialogue as a solution to similar conflicts if elected president, Obi said he would not hesitate to talk directly to even the most controversial figures. “If there are people I can talk to, I’ll talk to them. Let’s say tomorrow we have a bandit leader operating in the Northeast, I’d meet with him. That’s just to establish a link and say, ‘enough is enough.’ Afterwards, I’ll deal with it decisively.”
His comments come at a time when calls for the release of Nnamdi Kanu have gained fresh momentum, with rights groups and Igbo leaders urging the government to embrace dialogue instead of confrontation. Obi’s remarks align with a growing number of voices advocating for reconciliation, justice, and national healing as the path to lasting peace in Nigeria.
Peter Obi has consistently championed non-violent conflict resolution and inclusive governance. His latest stance on the Kanu issue further solidifies his image as a presidential hopeful who prioritizes dialogue over repression, empathy over ego, and national unity over political vendetta.
