Peter Obi Breaks Silence on Nnamdi Kanu’s Life Imprisonment
FCT, Abuja – In a development that continues to dominate public discourse, Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) candidate in the 2023 presidential election, has finally spoken out on the life imprisonment sentence issued to Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Obi, who is also preparing for the 2027 presidential race under the ADC coalition, insisted that Kanu “should never have been arrested.” He described the conviction as “unfortunate” and reflective of leadership failure.
Background: How Nnamdi Kanu Was Sentenced to Life Imprisonment
As previously reported by Simbad Ozibe Blog, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Thursday, November 20, convicted Nnamdi Kanu on seven terrorism-related charges filed by the Nigerian Government.
The court sentenced him to life imprisonment and issued strict restrictions preventing him from accessing mobile phones, broadcast gadgets, or communication devices except under security supervision.
For readers who want a deeper breakdown of how his case evolved from activist to life-sentenced detainee, read our full analysis here:
👉 How Nnamdi Kanu Was Sentenced to Life Imprisonment – From Activist to Terrorist
Peter Obi’ Reaction: “His Arrest and Conviction Should Never Have Happened”
Peter Obi reacted through a personal statement shared on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, criticizing the government’s handling of the matter and warning that such actions contribute to national division.
Peter Obi’s Post on X (Twitter)
Below is the original post Obi made addressing the judgment:
https://x.com/peterobi/status/1992178458626056310?s=46
“I have always maintained that Mazi Kanu should never have been arrested. His arrest, detention, and now conviction represent a failure of leadership and a misunderstanding of the issues at stake. For years, I have consistently argued that dialogue, constructive engagement, and inclusive governance offer the path to lasting peace.”
He further noted that the issues raised by Kanu were neither new nor impossible to solve, emphasizing that functional societies address such grievances through meaningful reforms and dialogue intended to strengthen unity.
“Government Is Digging Itself Deeper”—Obi
Obi compared the government’s approach to:
“A man trapped in a hole who, instead of looking for a way out, keeps digging deeper.”
He argued that continued reliance on force will escalate tensions and worsen national unity at a time when healing should be the priority.
Obi Calls for National Healing and Responsible Leadership
The former Anambra governor urged the Presidency, the Council of State, and respected national leaders to intervene and adopt a unifying approach.
He called for:
- Dialogue
- Cohesion
- Inclusive governance
- National reconciliation
According to him, “Nigeria needs healing, not further division.”