Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party has again condemned the arrest of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu by the Federal Government.
Obi warned that while detention would not solve the agitations by separatists like Kanu, who feel marginalised, it is important for the Federal Government to initiate dialogues with the parties and key individuals involved.
This call by Obi comes on the heels of a planned nationwide protest demanding the release of the IPOB leader. The protest, tagged #FreeNnamdiKanuNow is organised by Omoyele Sowore, a publisher and activist, and has been scheduled to take place on October 20, 2025.
On Tuesday, June 29, 2021, the Federal Government announced that its operatives in collaboration with INTERPOL arrested the IPOB leader in Kenya over allegations of terrorism and treasonable felony.
However, responding to questions from journalists while visiting the LEA Primary School, Kapwa, Abuja on Wednesday, October 15, Obi said he stands on advice on the need for dialogue on the matter.
He said, “I’ve always been consistent on Nnamdi Kanu’s situation. There was no need for his arrest in the first place, 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.”
Also, urging the judiciary to ensure the rules of law are duly followed for all agitators facing the same ordeal, the former governor of Anambra State commended Sowore and his team for pushing for Kanu’s release.
“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,”Obi added.
