Former Governor of Anambra State and 2023 Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has expressed grave concern over the conviction of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Obi warned that the judgment risks inflaming already heightened tensions across the country, particularly in the South-East, and could further destabilize Nigeria’s fragile unity.
In his statement, Obi emphasized that the conviction comes at a time when Nigeria is grappling with severe economic hardship, insecurity, and declining public trust in governance. He noted that rather than easing tensions, the ruling could deepen divisions and alienation among citizens. Obi stressed that the issues raised by Kanu were not beyond resolution and required dialogue, empathy, and inclusive governance rather than coercion.
“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. Rather than easing tensions, this judgment risks deepening divisions. The concerns Kanu raised were not unheard of, and the issues he demanded solutions for were not insoluble. What was required was dialogue, empathy, and constructive engagement – not force,” Obi stated.
Obi further urged the federal government to adopt a more human-centered approach to governance, warning that failure to address underlying grievances could lead to unrest and undermine national stability. He called for reconciliation and inclusive dialogue as the only sustainable path to peace and unity in Nigeria.