RismadarVoice Reporters, June 13, 2026
Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has renewed his call for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), stating that there is no justification for his continued detention.
Obi made the remarks during an interaction with Nigerians in Washington, D.C., United States, a video of which has been widely circulated on social media. The visit, according to the Obidient Movement, took place a few days earlier.
The former Anambra State governor maintained that he has consistently opposed Kanu’s prolonged detention, arguing that his actions do not warrant continued incarceration.
He said that political speech and criticism should not be criminalised, stressing that public figures routinely face insults and accusations without such expressions constituting an offence.
Obi also referenced his personal experience in politics, noting that he is frequently subjected to criticism but does not consider such remarks criminal.
He further stated that if allowed to lead the country, he would prefer dialogue as a primary approach in addressing separatist agitations and other forms of unrest.
According to him, engaging with aggrieved groups would help the government better understand the underlying causes of their demands and support the development of long-term solutions.
However, Obi clarified that he currently holds no executive authority to effect any change regarding Kanu’s case.
Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of IPOB, is currently serving a life sentence following his conviction in November 2025 by a Federal High Court in Abuja on terrorism-related charges, including membership of a proscribed organisation and incitement linked to separatist activities in Nigeria’s South-East.
The court handed down life imprisonment on several counts, with additional concurrent sentences.
Kanu has rejected the judgment and has filed an appeal challenging both his conviction and sentence, while his legal team continues to argue that the trial was unfair and is seeking to have the ruling overturned.
