Obi Slams Continued Detention of Nnamdi Kanu: “It Doesn’t Make Sense”

Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has expressed strong disapproval over the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), describing the move as unjust and unreasonable.

Speaking during an interview, Obi argued that keeping Kanu behind bars especially over allegations tied to his use of strong or vulgar language was not only excessive but also a distraction from the real issues affecting Nigerians.

“Why is he still being held? It doesn’t make sense to me,” Obi said, questioning the justification for Kanu’s prolonged detention.

He added that as a leader, he wouldn’t be bothered by insults or verbal attacks, saying, “Whether you call me a thief or an idiot, which people do today, it doesn’t bother me. My focus is to serve the people and put food on their tables.”

Obi emphasized that his leadership philosophy prioritizes dialogue and political solutions over military crackdowns or long-term detentions.

“If there are people I can talk to, I’ll talk to them. Even if it’s a bandit in the Northeast, I’ll meet with him to say ‘enough is enough’ and then act decisively.”

The former Anambra State governor’s comments come amidst renewed scrutiny of the legal and political handling of Kanu’s case, particularly following a Kenyan court’s recent ruling that declared his transfer to Nigeria as illegal.

Kanu, who has faced multiple charges including alleged terrorism, remains in custody despite widespread calls for a political resolution to the IPOB crisis.