The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, has reacted to the conviction of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, describing it as an unfortunate development that comes at a time when Nigeria is battling severe economic hardship, insecurity, and widespread dissatisfaction with governance.
Obi said the judgment should make every well-meaning Nigerian pause and reflect, warning that instead of easing tensions, the decision may further escalate them. According to him, Kanu’s arrest, prolonged detention, and now conviction represent a failure of leadership and an unwillingness to explore peaceful resolution.
He maintained that the issues raised by Kanu were neither new nor impossible to address, insisting that dialogue, empathy, and inclusive governance should have been prioritized. “Coercion becomes necessary only when reason has been exhausted. In this case, reason was not fully explored,” he stated.
Obi criticized the government’s handling of the matter, saying it has deepened mistrust and created unnecessary distractions at a time citizens are already overwhelmed by economic and security challenges. He noted that nations across the world adopt political solutions and negotiated settlements when legal processes fail to guarantee peace.
Describing the current approach as counterproductive, Obi urged Nigeria’s leaders to choose “healing over hostility, reconciliation over retaliation, and dialogue over division.” He emphasized that only justice, fairness, and compassion can build a peaceful and united nation.
Calling for calm among Nigerians, Obi appealed to the Presidency, the Council of State, and respected national leaders to rise to the occasion and pursue a lasting solution grounded in peace and inclusivity.
