The 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi, has said he would release the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, if elected President.
Obi stated this during an interactive session with Nigerians in Washington, where he also pledged to engage separatist agitators across the country through dialogue.
According to him, Kanu should not be detained for comments allegedly made on Radio Biafra, stressing that criticism of political leaders should not be criminalised.
“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,” Obi said.
The former governor of Anambra State maintained that politicians are often subjected to criticism and insults, noting that such actions should not constitute an offence.
“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,” he added.
Obi further said his administration would prioritise dialogue in addressing agitations and grievances across the country.
“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,” he said.
Kano Times reports that Kanu has remained a controversial figure since his arrest and extradition to Nigeria from Kenya in 2021.
The IPOB leader was convicted on terrorism-related charges and remanded at the Sokoto Correctional Centre on November 20, 2025.
His legal team has, however, challenged the judgment, arguing that the conviction was based on repealed laws.
Kanu subsequently filed an appeal against the verdict, although proceedings on the matter are yet to commence.
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, who delivered the judgment, sentenced Kanu to life imprisonment on counts one, four, five and six of the seven-count charge.
The court also sentenced him to 20 years imprisonment on count three and five years imprisonment on count seven.
