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Former Anambra governor Peter Obi has declared that there is “no reason” to continue detaining separatist leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, insisting that engaging with agitators is the only path to resolving Nigeria’s challenges.
Obi made the remarks during an informal outdoor gathering in Washington.
“I have said this repeatedly: there is no reason for keeping Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. As far as I am concerned, there is no reason whatsoever,” Obi said.
The Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate for the 2027 election argued that Kanu’s detention over broadcasts was unjustified.
“You cannot arrest somebody just because the person is speaking on radio. Calling people names doesn’t make sense,” Obi said.
“Everybody can call you anything. I am a politician, people have been calling me all sorts of names. I don’t think calling me names is an offence. It’s not an offence.”
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: “I have said this repeatedly, there is no reason for keeping 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.” — Peter Obi addressing supporters in…
— UNCLE DEJI™️ (@DejiAdesogan) June 13, 2026
Obi said if he were in government, he would take a different approach to dealing with agitators.
“So for me, I have said it: even our own agitators, if I am in government today, I will discuss with them. I will engage them. I will consult them,” he said.
“Because I believe that they have a reason for whatever they want to do. It is only by engaging them that we can learn and then solve it and everything.”
Obi, the former Labour Party 2023 presidential candidate, admitted that he was not in a position to act on his views.
“But that’s my own. But I am not in a position to do anything today,” he said.
Nnamdi Kanu is the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, a separatist group campaigning for an independent state in southeastern Nigeria. He has been in detention since 2022, facing charges of treason, terrorism and incitement.
