Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has spoken out regarding the conviction of IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, expressing deep concern over the implications this development may have on Nigeria’s already fragile political and economic climate.
In a statement released on Friday, Obi described the judgment as “ill-timed,” noting that the nation is currently grappling with severe economic hardship, escalating insecurity, and declining public confidence. He warned that the conviction, rather than easing tensions, could worsen them and further divide an already polarised country.
Obi urges national reflection over Kanu’s conviction
Obi emphasised that Kanu’s arrest and prolonged detention were unnecessary from the beginning, insisting that the matter represented a significant leadership failure. He explained that the issues raised by Kanu should have been met with dialogue and genuine engagement rather than force or intimidation.
According to Obi, nations facing internal agitation often adopt political solutions such as negotiation, reconciliation, or amnesty, especially when legal measures alone cannot bring lasting peace or unity. He stressed that Nigeria should follow a similar path, particularly when citizens are already overwhelmed by daily struggles and insecurity.
Obi criticises government’s approach
The former Anambra governor accused the Federal Government of mishandling the situation in a manner that worsens mistrust and distracts from more pressing national challenges. He urged President Tinubu, the Council of State, and respected elder statesmen to intervene and promote reconciliation rather than division.
Obi noted that true leadership requires more than technical adherence to the law. He argued that wisdom, empathy, and inclusive governance must guide decisions that affect national unity. According to him, the government’s rigid approach has only complicated matters, likening it to “a man trapped in a hole who keeps digging deeper instead of climbing out.”
Obi calls for reconciliation and a new direction
Obi called on Nigerians to remain hopeful for peace, unity, and healing. He reiterated that Nigeria can progress only when grievances are addressed with justice, empathy, and fairness. He encouraged national leaders to rise to the occasion and adopt a holistic approach that prioritizes stability and unity.
His full statement, which he shared on social media, urged Nigerians to seek solutions that heal rather than escalate conflict, reminding the nation that peaceful coexistence is the bedrock of progress.
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