Peter Obi, a leading presidential hopeful for the 2027 general election, has knocked the continuous detention of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), saying it “doesn’t make sense.”
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics on Sunday night, July 6, Obi argued that the situation called for a political solution, not just in Kanu’s case, but in other similar issues across the country.
Obi questioned why Kanu remained in custody, pointing out that allegations against him seemed to be largely about using harsh or insulting language against government officials.
“Why is he still being held? It does not make sense to me,” Obi said.
“Some people say it’s because he used vulgar words. I’ve not seen it, but even if he did, it doesn’t bother me. If I’m president and you call me a thief or an idiot — which they already do — it wouldn’t bother me. My duty is to ensure the common man has food on the table.”
Asked whether he would seek political solutions to similar crises across Nigeria, Obi affirmed he would, emphasizing dialogue and engagement.
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“If there are people I can talk to, I’ll talk to them. Let’s say tomorrow we have a bandit leader operating in the Northeast — I’d meet with him. That’s just to establish a link to say enough is enough. And afterwards, I’ll deal with it decisively.”
Obi, who was the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in 2023, has consistently called for inclusive approaches to resolving national security and unity challenges, insisting that dialogue remains key to lasting peace.
