Presidency Blasts Peter Obi Over Call For Nnamdi Kanu’s Freedom, “You Have Separatist Tendencies”

LegitJuly 9, 2025Read original

FCT, Abuja - The Presidency has reacted to the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in 2023, Peter Obi’s recent call for IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s release from detention.

The former Anambra state governor explained how he will handle national agitation and insecurity.

Reacting to Obi's statement, Presidency accused him of having “separatist tendencies” and openly declaring his support for IPOB.

As reported by The Punch, a source in the Presidency who preferred anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the matter stated this.

“Peter Obi has separatist tendencies. He supports IPOB and he has said it publicly. But he wants to lead Nigeria. That’s a total contradiction.”

The source said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led federal government would not interfere in the ongoing trial of Kanu.

He insisted that the case before the court must be allowed to run its course and Knau will be released if he is not found guilty.

“Let them wait until the trial is over. If he is not found guilty, he will be released.

“Everybody knows that Nnamdi Kanu’s case is in the court. Would he want the government to stop the court from doing its work? The trial is on. Let them wait until the trial is over.

“The state is alleging that he committed an offence and the case is already on trial. If he is not found guilty, he will be released. If he is found guilty there will be punishment for it.”

Recall that President Bola Tinubu's Minister of Works,

, disclosed that the federal government is ready to

of Kanu.

Umahi, a two-term governor of

, dismissed the reports that the southeast has started using Kanu's release as a condition to support President Tinubu's second-term ambition.

The minister expressed optimism that Kanu will be released not by pressure and political conditions but by dialogue and God's grace.

Disturbing statements included calls to burn government buildings, target police officers, and offer a bounty for the death of a political leader, further inflaming tensions.

The prosecution introduced additional evidence, including a CD of Kanu’s 2021

interrogation, while the defence objected to its admissibility, and the case was adjourned until May 8, 2025.