Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has thrown his weight behind activist Omoyele Sowore’s campaign for the release of detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu, describing the arrest as unnecessary from the outset.
Obi made the remarks Wednesday during a visit to LEA Primary School, Kapwa, Abuja, where he reiterated his long-standing position that dialogue, rather than detention, offers the only viable path to resolving separatist agitations in Nigeria.
When journalists asked about his stance on Sowore’s agitation for Kanu’s release, the former Anambra State governor was unequivocal in his response. “I’ve always been consistent on Nnamdi Kanu’s situation. There was no need for his arrest in the first place,” Obi stated. “And I’ve always said that for me, I will consult, negotiate, and discuss with anybody who is agitating. I said it clearly, and I remain there.”
The 2023 presidential candidate commended Sowore and others advocating for Kanu’s release, emphasizing that peaceful dialogue remains essential to crisis resolution. “I thank those who are actually trying to do or say what we’ve been saying for a long time. Go and check what I’ve said before 2020, 2022, and even 2024,” he said.
Obi also addressed the legal dimension of Kanu’s case, calling for adherence to proper procedures. “Now that it has gone to court, the rules should be followed, not just for Nnamdi Kanu, but for all agitators across the nation,” he added. “There’s nothing wrong with anybody agitating or saying let’s have a dialogue with them. And whatever we do with them, let’s follow the rules. So, I thank the organisers and those who are involved.”
His comments come as Sowore, the 2023 African Action Congress presidential candidate, prepares to lead a nationwide protest scheduled for October 20 in Abuja under the hashtag #FreeNnamdiKanuNow. The planned demonstration has reignited debate over the IPOB leader’s continued detention and the government’s approach to addressing separatist movements.
Obi’s public support for dialogue with Kanu represents a continuation of his previous statements on the matter, positioning him as one of the prominent voices advocating for a negotiated settlement rather than prolonged detention. His remarks also highlight growing pressure on the federal government from various political quarters to reconsider its strategy toward resolving the contentious issue.
Kanu has been in detention since June 2021 following his controversial arrest and return to Nigeria, with his case becoming a focal point for discussions about self-determination, rule of law, and conflict resolution in the country.
