Former Anambra State Governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi has called for a more dialogue-driven approach in handling separatist agitations, insisting that continued detention of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu is unnecessary.
Obi made the remarks during an engagement in Washington, where he stressed that democratic governance should prioritize engagement and communication rather than confrontation with dissenting voices.
He argued that individuals should not be held in custody simply for expressing political opinions or speaking publicly.
“There is no reason for detaining Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. You cannot arrest somebody just because the person is speaking on radio… If I am in government today, I will discuss and engage with all agitators,” he said.
Obi added that he has also been subjected to criticism in his political career, but maintained that disagreement should not be a basis for detention.
Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), remains in detention as he continues to face ongoing legal proceedings in Nigeria.
