Obi Urges Dialogue, Warns Nigeria Must Choose Healing Over Hostility After Kanu Conviction

‘Reason was not fully explored’

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, has called for calm and national healing following the conviction of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, describing the outcome as “unfortunate” and likely to heighten tensions.

Obi said the development should prompt “every well-meaning Nigerian” to pause and reflect, especially amid economic hardship, rising insecurity, and the lingering effects of poor governance.

Leadership demands more than the law
Reiterating his view that Kanu’s arrest should never have occurred, Obi said the detention and conviction represent a failure of leadership. He argued that Kanu’s concerns were legitimate, solvable, and required “wisdom, empathy, and genuine engagement.”

“Coercion becomes necessary only when reason has been exhausted. In this case, reason was not fully explored, if at all,” he said, noting that functional societies address grievances through dialogue, reform, and inclusive governance.

Global lessons for Nigeria
While some may argue that “the law has taken its course,” Obi stressed that leadership often requires solutions beyond rigid legal processes. Citing international examples, he highlighted that political settlements, negotiated agreements, and even amnesty are sometimes necessary to preserve national stability.

Obi likened the government’s approach to “a man trapped in a hole who continues digging instead of seeking a way out,” warning that such handling deepens mistrust and worsens Nigeria’s challenges.

Call for peace and reconciliation
He urged the Presidency, the Council of State, and respected statesmen to prioritise dialogue, reconciliation, and healing over hostility and retaliation.

Obi concluded with optimism, stating that peace and reconciliation could prevail if Nigeria embraces justice, fairness, and compassion.