Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has renewed his call for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, insisting that there is no valid reason for the continued detention of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Obi made the remarks during an interactive session with Nigerians in Washington, D.C., United States. A video of the event has since circulated widely on social media. According to supporters under the Obidient Movement, the engagement took place a few days ago.

The former governor of Anambra State said he has consistently maintained that Kanu should not remain in custody.

“I have said it repeatedly: there is no reason for keeping Nnamdi Kanu in detention. As far as I am concerned, there is absolutely no justification for it,” Obi stated.

He argued that expressing opinions on radio broadcasts or criticizing public figures should not be treated as criminal offences.

“You cannot arrest someone simply because he spoke on the radio or called people names. It does not make sense,” he said.

Drawing from his own experience in politics, Obi noted that public office holders are often subjected to criticism and verbal attacks, adding that such actions should not warrant imprisonment.

“As a politician, people call me all sorts of names. I do not believe that being insulted or criticized amounts to a criminal offence,” he added.

Obi further stressed that dialogue remains the most effective way to address agitation and unrest across the country. He said that if given the opportunity to lead, he would engage with agitators to better understand their grievances and work toward lasting solutions.

“If I were in government today, I would meet with them, engage them, and consult with them. I believe people have reasons for their actions, and it is only through dialogue that we can understand those concerns and find solutions,” Obi said.

Kanu is currently serving a life sentence following his conviction on terrorism-related charges by a Federal High Court in Abuja in November 2025. 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 Nigeria’s South-East region.

He received life imprisonment on some counts, while additional sentences on other counts are to run concurrently.

Kanu has rejected the verdict and filed an appeal challenging both his conviction and sentence. His legal team argues that the trial was unfair and has urged the appellate court to overturn the judgment.