Ejimofor Opara, Special Adviser on Media to the Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has criticised remarks made by Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over his call for the release of Nnamdi Kanu.
Peter Obi had recently reiterated his position during an engagement with Nigerians in Washington, D.C., United States, where he argued that there was no justification for the continued detention of the IPOB leader. His comments were also shared online by supporters of the Obidient Movement.
Obi stated that he has consistently maintained that Kanu should not remain in custody, a position that has continued to generate political reactions.
In response, Opara described Obi’s comments as inappropriate and misleading, arguing that they undermine both the Nigerian judiciary and foreign judicial systems, including Finland, where Simon Ekpa—described as an associate of Kanu—was convicted and sentenced for terrorism-related offences.
Opara said Obi’s remarks were careless and self-serving, adding that they disregarded the legal processes that led to Kanu’s conviction.
He also referenced Obi’s past political experiences, claiming that the Nigerian judiciary played a role in restoring his political mandate in earlier elections, and therefore should be respected.
According to Opara, public statements questioning judicial decisions, especially in ongoing or concluded terrorism-related cases, could undermine confidence in the justice system.
He further argued that the courts ensured transparency in Kanu’s trial, including allowing public access to proceedings, in order to prevent misinformation.
Opara insisted that Obi should retract his comments and apologise to both the Nigerian judiciary and international courts involved in related cases.
Nnamdi Kanu was recently convicted by a Federal High Court in Abuja on terrorism-related charges, including incitement and involvement in activities linked to a proscribed organisation. He was sentenced to life imprisonment on multiple counts.
Following the judgment, Kanu has rejected the ruling and filed an appeal challenging both his conviction and sentence.
