Ismaeel Aleem
The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has sharply criticised the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, for describing the conviction of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), as “unfortunate”.
In a statement issued yesterday by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Mr Seye Oladejo, the APC labelled Obi’s comments “misguided” and inappropriate, particularly as the case remains subject to judicial review.
Obi had, in a release titled “Kanu’s Conviction: Obi Calls for Dialogue, Healing Over Hostility”, argued that Kanu’s arrest, prolonged detention, and sentencing exposed leadership deficiencies and risked escalating tensions rather than fostering peace.
The Lagos APC strongly objected, asserting that political figures should refrain from pronouncing on matters still before the courts.
It warned that Obi’s intervention could be misconstrued as an attempt to politicise a grave national security issue and potentially inflame public sentiment.
“National security and public order demand consistent, balanced, and responsible engagement,” the statement read.
“All stakeholders must respect judicial processes while preserving lawful avenues for appeal and dialogue.”
The party emphasised that issues of terrorism, treason, and threats to constitutional order would continue to be addressed strictly within the ambit of the law and the Nigerian Constitution, free from partisan influence.
While acknowledging the right to free expression, the APC urged public figures to exercise restraint and prioritise national unity in their utterances, especially on sensitive matters capable of undermining stability.
It called on Nigerians to view Obi’s statement within the context of ongoing political discourse and to support efforts that promote healing and cohesion rather than division.
