By Mick Oseji, Asaba
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has reiterated his opposition to the continued imprisonment of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, arguing that no individual should be jailed merely for expressing opinions or insulting public officials.
Obi made the remarks during an interactive session with Nigerians in Washington, D.C., United States, where he addressed questions on national unity, separatist agitations, and the handling of dissenting voices in Nigeria.
According to the former Anambra State governor, he has consistently maintained that there is no justification for Kanu’s continued incarceration.
“I have said this repeatedly, there is no reason for keeping Nnamdi Kanu in prison. As far as I’m concerned, there’s no reason whatsoever,” Obi said.
He argued that freedom of expression should not be criminalised, stressing that public figures, particularly politicians, are often subjected to criticism and verbal attacks.
“You cannot arrest somebody because he was speaking on radio and calling people names. It doesn’t make sense. Anybody can tell you anything. I’m a politician. People call me all sorts of names. I don’t think calling me names is an offence. It is not an offence,” he stated.
Obi further said that dialogue remains the most effective way to address agitation and grievances across the country, noting that he would engage separatist groups and other aggrieved stakeholders rather than rely solely on force.
“If I’m in government today, I will discuss with all agitators. I will engage with them. I will consult with them because I believe that they have a reason for whatever they want to do. It’s only by engaging them that we’ll learn and see how we can solve it,” he added.
The comments are likely to reignite debate over Kanu’s detention and the Federal Government’s approach to separatist movements in the South-East.
Kanu is currently serving a life sentence in Sokoto, the City of the Caliphate, after being convicted by a Federal High Court in Abuja in November 2025 on terrorism-related charges. The court found him guilty on multiple counts, including incitement, membership of a proscribed organisation, and alleged involvement in attacks linked to separatist activities in the South-East.
Obi’s latest remarks add to growing calls from some political leaders and groups advocating dialogue and political solutions to address tensions in the region, while others insist that security concerns and the rule of law must remain paramount in dealing with separatist movements.
