Former Labour Party presidential candidate and 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has reiterated his commitment to securing the release of detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, if elected president in the 2027 general election.
Obi made the declaration during a recent visit to Washington, D.C., where he addressed supporters and members of the Nigerian community.
According to him, the continued detention of Kanu is unjustified and does not represent the best approach to addressing separatist agitations in the country.
“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. I am a politician, people have been calling me names,” Obi said.
The former Anambra State governor stated that dialogue and engagement remain the most effective means of resolving grievances expressed by separatist groups and other agitators across the country.
“If I am in government today, I will discuss and engage with all agitators. I will free Nnamdi Kanu as president,” he added.
Obi’s remarks are expected to reignite debates over Kanu’s prolonged detention and the Federal Government’s handling of separatist movements, particularly in the South-East region.
Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has remained at the centre of legal and political controversies since his arrest and extradition to Nigeria in 2021. His detention has continued to attract reactions from political leaders, civil society groups, and international observers.
The latest comments by Obi come as political activities ahead of the 2027 presidential election continue to gather momentum, with various contenders outlining their positions on key national issues, including security, national unity, and justice.
