The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress for the 2027 election, Peter Obi, has pledged to secure the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, if elected president.
Obi stated that he did not believe Kanu should remain in custody over comments made during his broadcasts, stressing that freedom of expression should not attract prolonged detention.
Speaking during an interaction with Nigerians in Washington, the former Anambra State governor said dialogue, rather than force, remained the most effective way of addressing agitation and separatist movements across the country.
According to him, every aggrieved group deserves an opportunity to be heard, noting that meaningful engagement could help government better understand the concerns driving such agitations.
Obi maintained that criticism and verbal attacks against public officials should not be treated as criminal offences, arguing that politicians are often subjected to harsh comments as part of democratic discourse.
He said that if given the opportunity to lead the country, his administration would prioritise discussions with agitators and other dissatisfied groups as a pathway to lasting peace and national unity.
The former governor, however, acknowledged that he currently lacks the constitutional authority to take action on Kanu’s case.
Kanu, the leader of IPOB, remains incarcerated following legal proceedings initiated by the Federal Government over allegations linked to separatist activities.
Obi’s remarks have reignited conversations about the handling of separatist agitations, human rights concerns and the role of dialogue in resolving long-standing political disputes in Nigeria.
His position also comes amid ongoing debates over national cohesion, security challenges and the future of political reconciliation in different parts of the country.