Peter Obi Breaks Silence on Nnamdi Kanu’s Conviction, Says Verdict Could Intensify National Tensions

The Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has reacted to the conviction and life imprisonment sentencing of the Indigenous People of Biafra leader, Nnamdi Kanu, warning that the development could further heighten tension across the country.

Obi issued the statement on Saturday through his official X handle, marking his first public comment since the judgment was delivered. The former Anambra State governor noted that the ruling comes at a time when Nigerians are already struggling with severe economic hardship, rising insecurity and the wider consequences of leadership failures.

According to him, rather than easing national anxiety, the court’s decision “may well only aggravate it,” especially among citizens who feel unheard or marginalized.

Obi criticised the entire handling of Kanu’s case, describing the arrest, prolonged detention and ultimate conviction as “a failure of leadership and a misunderstanding of the issues at stake.” He insisted he had consistently maintained that Kanu should never have been arrested, stressing that the path to lasting peace lies in dialogue and meaningful engagement rather than force.

He argued that the issues raised by Kanu were neither impossible to address nor unfamiliar to those in government. Instead, he said the situation required wisdom, empathy and an open mind focused on national unity.

“In any functional society, such grievances are met with dialogue and reforms aimed at strengthening unity,” Obi stated, adding that the government’s approach had deepened mistrust and created an avoidable distraction at a time when citizens are overwhelmed by economic pressure and insecurity.

He further explained that leadership should rise above a narrow or mechanical application of the law, noting that many countries adopt political solutions, negotiated settlements or even amnesty when legal processes alone cannot guarantee national stability.

Obi likened the government’s approach to “a man trapped in a hole who keeps digging deeper,” saying the strategy has worsened both the government’s standing and the nation’s overall condition.

The former governor emphasised that if Nigeria truly seeks peace and progress, leaders must embrace reconciliation instead of confrontation and address grievances with fairness and compassion. He called for inclusive governance that ensures every citizen feels valued and protected.

Obi urged national institutions, including the Presidency, the Council of State and respected elder statesmen, to step forward and help craft a lasting and meaningful solution to the crisis. He expressed hope that despite current tensions, Nigeria can still move toward peace and unity.

“My ultimate call at this time, without prejudice to how anyone feels about the decision of the court, is for us to be optimistic for peace and reconciliation which will come in the end,” he said.

He concluded by encouraging leaders to choose healing over hostility and dialogue over division, insisting that these choices remain the only path toward a stable, united and forward-looking nation.