Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, has described the conviction of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu as a deeply troubling development—one that risks inflaming national tension instead of easing it.
In a statement on Thursday, Obi said the judgment should force Nigerians and leaders alike to “pause and reflect,” coming at a time the nation is already buckling under severe economic hardship, rising insecurity, and the compounded effects of years of poor governance.
Obi maintained his long-standing view that Kanu’s arrest was unnecessary from the onset, arguing that the arrest, prolonged detention, and now conviction reflect a failure of leadership and a refusal to properly understand the issues that gave rise to Kanu’s agitation. The concerns, he noted, were neither new nor impossible to resolve, but required wisdom, empathy, and sincere engagement.
According to him, responsible nations resolve legitimate grievances through dialogue, reforms, and inclusive governance—approaches he believes the Nigerian government failed to meaningfully pursue. “Coercion should only follow when reason has been exhausted. In this case, reason was barely explored—if explored at all,” he said.
While acknowledging those who insist that “the law has taken its course,” Obi countered that true leadership often demands more than strict legalism. He cited examples from around the world where countries adopt political solutions, negotiated settlements, or even amnesty, when strict judicial outcomes threaten broader national stability. Nigeria, he said, cannot afford to ignore such options.
He likened the government’s approach to “a man trapped in a hole who keeps digging instead of climbing out,” warning that such stubbornness only deepens mistrust and worsens the country’s already fragile state.
Obi called for calm and urged the Presidency, the Council of State, and respected national figures to step forward and champion a path to lasting peace. He stressed that Nigeria must prioritise healing over hostility, reconciliation over retaliation, and dialogue over division.
He expressed hope that peace and understanding will ultimately triumph—if the nation chooses justice, fairness, and compassion over force.
E-Signed:
Ibrahim Umar
POMR Spokesman
November 22, 2025
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