Peter Obi, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has criticised the life imprisonment handed to IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, calling it a failure of leadership and urging the Federal Government to pursue dialogue instead of punitive measures.
In a statement on his X handle, Obi said Kanu’s concerns could have been resolved through consultation and reforms, insisting he should never have been arrested. He noted that the judgment came amid worsening economic hardship and insecurity across the country.
Obi argued that political grievances are best addressed through negotiation, citing international examples where dialogue helped resolve internal conflicts when legal action fell short.
Kanu, who has been in detention since 2021 after his controversial transfer from Kenya, was convicted on terrorism-related charges this week. His legal team maintains he was subjected to extraordinary rendition, a claim the government denies.
Obi said the case reflects deeper governance shortcomings and urged the Presidency, Council of State and other national leaders to intervene to prevent further tension in the Southeast.
He ended his statement by calling for peace, reconciliation and a dialogue-based solution for long-term stability.
