Former Anambra State governor and 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has again stirred national debate after declaring that he would secure the release of Nnamdi Kanu and pursue dialogue with separatist groups if elected president in 2027. The remarks were made during an engagement with Nigerians in Washington, D.C., where Obi outlined his approach to addressing agitation, insecurity, and national unity.
According to Obi, the continued detention of Kanu is unjustifiable and does not align with democratic principles. He argued that expressing controversial opinions or criticizing government officials should not be sufficient grounds for prolonged incarceration. Drawing from his own experience in politics, Obi said public figures are frequently subjected to criticism, insults, and harsh comments, yet such actions should not automatically attract criminal sanctions.
“I have said this over and over again, there is no reason for detaining Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. You cannot arrest somebody just because the person is speaking on radio,” Obi stated while reiterating his long-held position on the IPOB leader’s case. He further declared that if elected president, he would prioritize engagement and negotiations with various groups expressing grievances against the Nigerian state.
The former Labour Party presidential candidate has consistently maintained this stance in previous interviews. In 2025, he questioned the logic behind Kanu’s continued detention, insisting that a political solution would be more effective than prolonged legal battles. Obi also emphasized that agitation exists across different regions of Nigeria and that government must seek to understand and address the root causes through dialogue rather than confrontation alone.
His latest comments have generated mixed reactions across the political landscape. Supporters argue that dialogue and reconciliation are necessary to promote national unity and reduce tensions in the South-East. Critics, however, contend that Kanu’s case remains before the courts and should be allowed to follow due legal process. Similar remarks by Obi in the past also drew responses from members of the Presidency, who accused him of being sympathetic to separatist causes, a claim he has repeatedly denied.
Kanu, leader of IPOB, has been in detention since his rearrest in 2021 and remains one of the most controversial figures in Nigeria’s political landscape. His case continues to attract attention from political leaders, civil society groups, and regional organizations, many of whom have called for a political resolution. Obi’s latest promise is therefore expected to further fuel discussions on national cohesion, justice, and the future of Nigeria’s democracy as preparations for the 2027 presidential election gradually intensify.