The conviction of the leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to life imprisonment for terrorism has drawn sharp criticism from the 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, who warned that the decision is counterproductive and will likely “aggravate” rather than reduce tensions in the South-east.
Kanu was convicted on all seven counts of terrorism charges on Thursday by the Federal High Court in Abuja and sentenced to life imprisonment. He has since been moved from the State Security Service (SSS) facility to a prison in Sokoto State, according to his former special counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, who has indicated plans to appeal the judgement.
In a statement released on his X handle on Saturday, Mr. Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, faulted the entire process, arguing that the government’s approach reflects a profound “failure of leadership.”
“The news of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s conviction should compel every well-meaning Nigerian to pause and reflect. This is coming at a time when our beloved nation is facing severe economic hardship, insecurity, and the consequences of poor governance,” Mr. Obi wrote.
He insisted that Kanu should not have been arrested in the first place, stressing that the grievances raised by the IPOB leader were not “unheard of” or “insoluble.”
Mr. Obi maintained his long-standing position that dialogue, constructive engagement, and inclusive governance are the only paths to lasting peace, arguing that the government failed to explore these avenues fully.
“In this case, I submit that the reason was not only not exhausted, but was probably not explored at all, or not fully explored,” he stated.
Instead of prosecuting Kanu, the former governor argued that the Nigerian government should have resorted to political solutions, negotiated settlements, and even amnesty, approaches that are typically explored when legal processes alone cannot serve the broader interest of national peace and stability.
He likened the government’s handling of the case to a man “trapped in a hole but who, instead of looking for a way out, keeps digging deeper,” warning that the approach has only deepened mistrust among citizens.
The conviction has fueled calls for political intervention, a stance shared by other prominent South-east leaders, including the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ben Kalu, and Abia State Governor, Alex Otti.
Mr. Obi concluded his statement with a plea for national healing and reconciliation.
“My ultimate call at this time… is for us to be optimistic for peace and reconciliation which will come in the end,” he urged. He specifically called on the Presidency, the Council of State, and credible statesmen who love the country to “rise to the occasion, for a lasting solution.”
The IPOB leader was found guilty of inciting violence, belonging to a proscribed organization, and threatening attacks on Nigerian targets, leading to a life sentence on five of the seven counts, with all sentences ordered to run concurrently.
