Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has thrown his weight behind activist Omoyele Sowore’s call for the release of detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, insisting that dialogue remains the only path to lasting peace.
Speaking on Wednesday during his visit to LEA Primary School, Kapwa, Abuja, Obi described Kanu’s continued detention as “irrelevant” and counterproductive.
According to him, the Federal Government should prioritize negotiation and engagement rather than incarceration.
“I’ve always been consistent on Nnamdi Kanu’s situation. There was no need for his arrest in the first place,” Obi said. “For me, I will consult, negotiate, and discuss with anybody who is agitating. I said it clearly, and I remain there.”
The former Anambra State governor commended Sowore and others championing Kanu’s release, saying peaceful dialogue was the only viable way to address separatist movements across Nigeria.
“I thank those who are saying what we’ve been saying for years. Whether it’s 2020, 2022, or now, I’ve always maintained that the rules of engagement must be followed—not just for Nnamdi Kanu, but for all agitators across the country,” he added.
Obi’s comment comes just days after Sowore announced plans to lead a nationwide protest tagged #FreeNnamdiKanuNow, scheduled for October 20 in Abuja.
The movement has continued to gain momentum among pro-democracy groups and civil rights activists calling for justice and dialogue over detention and suppression.