Peter Obi has condemned the arrest, prolonged detention, and conviction of Nnamdi Kanu, describing the entire episode as a failure of leadership that has pushed the country toward deeper division instead of addressing underlying problems.

In a statement released by his media aide, Ibrahim Umar, Obi urged Nigerians to reflect on the development at a time when families are struggling with economic hardship, rising insecurity, and the long-term effects of poor governance. Umar noted that the news should force the nation to reassess its approach to handling sensitive issues, especially those with far-reaching consequences.

Obi maintained that Kanu’s arrest should never have happened, insisting that the concerns he raised were not beyond resolution. He argued that the government mishandled the matter by resorting to force instead of dialogue, empathy, and genuine engagement. According to the statement, “Coercion becomes necessary only when reason has been exhausted. In this case, reason was not fully explored, if at all”.

He added that countries with stronger institutions often embrace reforms, political settlements, and inclusive governance when legal actions alone threaten stability. Obi said Nigeria should not ignore such global examples, especially when national unity is at stake.

He compared the government’s approach to a man trapped in a hole who keeps digging instead of finding a way out, warning that such actions only widen distrust and worsen the country’s fragile atmosphere.

Obi called for calm and appealed to the Presidency, the Council of State, and respected national figures to step in and encourage a path built on reconciliation rather than retaliation. He urged the nation to prioritise healing, meaningful dialogue, and fairness over confrontational tactics.

He expressed hope that Nigeria can still restore peace and cohesion if it embraces compassion, justice, and true leadership.