Peter Obi has vowed to release Nnamdi Kanu and engage agitators through dialogue if elected president.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that the 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has pledged to release Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu if elected President of Nigeria.
Speaking during an engagement with Nigerians in Washington, Obi said he does not believe Kanu should remain in detention over remarks allegedly made on Radio Biafra, stressing that freedom of expression should not be criminalised.
According to the former Anambra State governor, public office holders are frequently subjected to criticism and insults, which, in his view, should not constitute grounds for imprisonment.
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“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 presidential candidate argued that politicians regularly face verbal attacks and public criticism without seeking legal action against their critics.
“Anybody can tell you anything. I’m a politician and people call me all sorts of names. I don’t think calling me names is an offence,” he added.
Obi also pledged to adopt dialogue as a key strategy for addressing agitation and separatist movements across the country.
He said meaningful engagement with aggrieved groups would help government better understand their concerns and work toward lasting solutions.
“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 stated.
The comments are likely to generate fresh debate over the handling of separatist agitations and the future of Kanu’s case, which has remained a major political and legal issue in Nigeria.
Obi’s remarks come as political activities ahead of the 2027 general election continue to gather momentum, with candidates outlining their positions on national unity, security, and governance.
