Presidential hopeful Peter Obi has called out the Nigerian government over the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu, describing it as senseless and politically unproductive. Speaking during a live interview on Channels TV’s Sunday Politics on July 6, 2025, Obi questioned why the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) was still being held after multiple court orders for his release.
Obi didn’t mince words as he challenged the federal government’s stance, saying, “Why is he still being held? It does not make sense to me.” He added that being insulted or criticized by citizens should never be a justification for prolonged incarceration. “They said he used vulgar words… I’ve not seen it. Even if he did, it doesn’t bother me. If I’m President, you can call me a thief or idiot—it’s my job to focus on putting food on people’s tables.”
This latest statement from Obi marks a bold political shift ahead of the 2027 general elections, where he remains a top contender. By aligning himself with a political solution to national unrest, Obi is positioning himself as a unifier in a country grappling with multiple security and ethnic agitations. Kanu, who has been in DSS custody since his controversial extradition from Kenya in June 2021, remains a symbol of Biafran agitation.
Despite multiple court rulings—including the Court of Appeal judgment in October 2022 ordering Kanu’s release—the federal government has kept him in detention, citing “national security.” Human rights organizations, both local and international, have continued to describe his detention as unconstitutional and provocative.
Peter Obi also addressed broader unrest across Nigeria, vowing to engage with agitators if elected president. “Whether it’s bandits in the North or militants in the Niger Delta, if there are people I can talk to, I’ll talk to them. Just to say: enough is enough. But after that, I’ll deal with it decisively,” he stated, adding that conflict resolution must start with dialogue.
Obi’s remarks are already fueling political debate, especially in the Southeast, where Kanu commands massive loyalty. With renewed calls for restructuring and political inclusion, the former Anambra State governor is walking a calculated but courageous path, using empathy and pragmatism as tools for national healing.
As 2027 draws near, the question is not only what Obi stands for—but whether Nigeria is ready to confront its past and build a future with all voices at the table. The continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu may soon become a defining issue in the next presidential election.
