Nnamdi Kanu’s conviction signals leadership failure — Peter Obi

Abdullateef Fowewe

2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi has called the arrest, detention, and conviction of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu “a failure of leadership and a misunderstanding of the issues at stake,” urging Nigerians to reflect deeply on this development amid national challenges.

In a statement on Saturday, Obi said, “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.”

He warned that rather than easing tensions, the decision might “only aggravate it,” emphasising his long-held belief that “Kanu should never have been arrested.”

Obi advocates for dialogue and inclusive governance as the true paths to lasting peace, asserting, “Coercion becomes necessary only when reason has been exhausted. In this case reason was probably not explored at all, or not fully explored.”

Highlighting the importance of empathy and listening, he pointed out, “The concerns Kanu raised were not unheard of. The issues for which he demanded solutions were not insoluble. It only required wisdom, empathy, and a willingness to listen.”

The former vice-presidential candidate criticised the government’s approach, saying it “has only deepened mistrust and created an avoidable distraction at a time when citizens are overwhelmed by harsh economic realities and insecurity.”

Obi called on the Presidency, the Council of State, and statesmen committed to Nigeria’s unity to rise “for a lasting solution,” stressing, “If we truly desire a new Nigeria our leaders must choose healing over hostility, reconciliation over retaliation, and dialogue over division.”

He concluded with a hopeful note: “My ultimate call at this time is for us to be optimistic for peace and reconciliation which will come in the end.”