- Peter Obi, former Governor of Anambra State, voiced concerns over rising tensions in Nigeria following Nnamdi Kanu’s conviction.
- Kanu is the leader of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
- Obi shared his thoughts on his official X account after the Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced Kanu.
Peter Obi, former Governor of Anambra State and the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has expressed concern that the conviction of Nnamdi Kanu may escalate tensions across Nigeria.
Obi shared his views on his official X account on Saturday, shortly after the Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced Kanu, the leader of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
He argued that the government’s approach failed to address the underlying grievances and missed a crucial chance for dialogue that might have eased tensions. According to Obi, Kanu’s arrest, detention, and conviction represent a lost opportunity for constructive engagement with legitimate concerns.
Obi wrote, in part:
“The news of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s conviction should make every concerned Nigerian pause and reflect. Our nation is already grappling with economic difficulties, insecurity, and the effects of poor governance. Instead of calming tensions, this development risks worsening them. I have consistently maintained that Mazi Kanu should never have been arrested. His arrest, detention, and conviction reflect a failure in leadership and a lack of understanding of the real issues at hand.”
He further emphasized that Kanu’s grievances could have been addressed through empathy, dialogue, and prudent leadership. Obi cautioned that the government’s handling of the case has fueled mistrust and created a needless distraction, at a time when citizens are struggling with economic challenges and insecurity.
While acknowledging that the law has taken its course, Obi noted that effective leadership often involves more than rigidly applying legal processes. He highlighted that governments frequently rely on negotiation, political solutions, or amnesty to preserve peace and stability when legal measures alone are insufficient.
Obi urged the Presidency, the Council of State, and respected statesmen to focus on reconciliation and inclusive governance, prioritizing dialogue and healing over conflict and division.
Court Conviction Details
The Federal High Court in Abuja convicted Kanu on Thursday for terrorism, following his role in issuing “sit-at-home” orders that disrupted schools, banks, and businesses across the Southeast, particularly on Mondays. The court deemed these actions as “terrorist acts against Nigeria.”
Justice James Omotosho, who presided over the trial for alleged treasonable felony and terrorism charges brought by the Federal Government, dismissed Kanu’s no-case submission. The judge ruled that the evidence presented by the Department of State Services (DSS) required explanation, which Kanu declined to provide, leaving the court to rely entirely on the prosecution’s evidence.
The government accused Kanu of issuing threats through broadcasts, warning that those who defied the sit-at-home orders would face consequences, and of inciting insurrection. The prosecution noted widespread closures of schools, banks, markets, and petrol stations on Mondays. Kanu denied these allegations, which trace back to a 2015 case revived in 2025.
Justice Omotosho held that acts of terrorism carry a life sentence. In his ruling, the judge cited broadcasts in which Kanu allegedly threatened harm to the government and citizens, including members of his own community. Kanu was said to have referred to Nigeria as a “zoo” and the Southeast as “Biafra,” demonstrating awareness of his actions.
Kanu was convicted on multiple counts, including terrorism, directing sit-at-home orders that disrupted economic activities, leading a proscribed organization, and inciting attacks on state institutions. He received a life sentence for terrorism, 20 years for the sit-at-home directive, and additional penalties for the other offenses. The court also ordered that Kanu be kept in protective custody and restricted his access to digital devices, except under supervision by the office of the National Security Adviser.
