Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has pledged to release detained separatist leader Nnamdi Kanu if he wins the 2027 presidential election.
Speaking during an interactive session with Nigerians in Washington, Obi said he does not believe Kanu should remain in detention over statements allegedly made on Radio Biafra.
According to him, criticism of political leaders, no matter how harsh, should not be treated as a criminal offence.
“There is no reason for keeping Nnamdi Kanu in detention. If I become president, I will release him. He has done nothing that justifies being arrested simply because he spoke on radio and criticised political leaders,” Obi said.
The former Anambra State governor argued that public office holders are often subjected to criticism and insults, adding that such remarks should not be grounds for prosecution.
“As politicians, people say all kinds of things about us. I have been called different names myself, and I do not see that as an offence,” he added.
Obi also said his administration would prioritise dialogue in dealing with separatist movements and other groups expressing grievances across the country.
He maintained that engaging agitators directly is the best way to understand the issues driving their demands and find lasting solutions.
“If I were in government today, I would sit down with all agitators and talk to them. I believe people usually have reasons for their actions, and meaningful engagement is the only way to understand those concerns and address them,” Obi said.
His comments come amid ongoing debates over Kanu’s detention and growing calls from various groups for a political solution to separatist agitations in parts of the country.
