Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has expressed concern over the recent conviction of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, urging the Nigerian government to prioritize dialogue, reconciliation, and inclusive governance.
In a statement posted on his official X account, Obi described Kanu’s arrest, detention, and conviction as a “failure of leadership” and warned that the government’s approach could deepen mistrust at a time when Nigerians are grappling with economic hardship and insecurity.
Obi argued that the grievances raised by Kanu were legitimate and solvable through constructive engagement rather than coercion. “It only required wisdom, empathy, and a willingness to listen,” he said. “In any functional society, such grievances are met with dialogue and reforms aimed at strengthening unity.”
He further noted that the strict application of the law should not replace political solutions, negotiated settlements, or amnesty when broader peace and stability are at stake. Obi likened the government’s handling of Kanu’s case to “a man trapped in a hole but who, instead of looking for a way out, keeps digging deeper,” warning that such an approach could worsen the nation’s collective condition.
The former presidential candidate called on the Presidency, the Council of State, and credible statesmen to intervene and seek a lasting solution, emphasizing that only justice, fairness, and compassion can foster national cohesion.
Obi concluded by urging Nigerians to remain optimistic about peace and reconciliation, asserting that a united, inclusive, and progressive Nigeria is possible if grievances are addressed responsibly.
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