The re-election of President Bola Tinubu will not be affected by the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) from prison, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has said.
The leadership of the socio-political organisation on Tuesday, assured the president of the total support of Ndigbo despite the fate of Kanu who is being held at the Sokoto Correctional facility over terrorism.
Calling for the unconditional release of the IPOB leader by the president, Ohanaeze Ndugbo said Kanu was only advocating for Biafra of the mind and not succession as widely claimed.
In a statement signed by Okechukwu Isiguzoro and Thomson Ohia, the Deputy President General and National Spokesman, Ohanaeze said it deems it fit to clarify the misconceptions surrounding Kanu’s activities.
According to the group, Kanu’s activities have been disproportionately construed as a secessionist movement by segments of the Nigerian populace unfamiliar with the ideology underpinning his stance.
Ohanaeze said historical accuracy demands it illuminate the truth which includes, the fact that Kanu’s journey as a Biafra activist began in 2001, rooted in a commitment to non-violence.
“Initially appointed as the Director of Radio Biafra International in London by the esteemed Chief Raph Uwazuruike, Kanu’s mission was to advance the vision propounded by the late Dim Odumegwu Chukwuemeka Ojukwu—namely, to promote the concept of a “Biafra of the Mind.” This notion, articulated post-Civil War, was explicitly anchored in the belief that there was no justification for a renewed secessionist campaign from Nigeria.
“Kanu’s deviation from this noble approach arose from the palpable threat posed by state-sponsored Fulani herdsmen, exacerbated under the previous administration of Former President Muhammadu Buhari. Labelling this unsettling trend as the “Fulanization Agenda,” Kanu awakened a consciousness among the Igbo to the grievous dangers we face. Regrettably, this essential advocacy became entwined with opportunistic individuals seeking fame and fortune, thereby compromising the integrity of Kanu’s initial vision,” Ohanaeze said in the statement.
Further noting that the diaspora Igbo communities, affected profoundly by the negative portrayal of Nigeria’s Image during the Buhari years, sought a new identity as a means of survival, fueling further misunderstandings of Kanu’s intentions.
Citing the release of former Kaduna Governor, Nasir El-Rufai from custody over the passing of his mother, the group said this serves as a compelling precedent, strengthening the argument for Kanu’s amnesty.
Messes Isiguzoro and Ohia added that the group also advocates that Kanu’s release be executed by May 29, 2026, or on the occasion of the Democracy Day celebrations on June 12, 2026.
“We assert with conviction that Kanu’s release will not jeopardise your re-election prospects in 2027; on the contrary, it will solidify a stronger bond with the Igbo people and fortify your position as a leader of inclusion and reconciliation,” they said.
The duo further warned that the group has credible information that the coalition and other opposition leaders including Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar and Rabiu Kwankwaso has successfully perfected plans for the manipulation of Kanu’s incarceration as a political campaign strategy to mislead Igbo voters ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo reiterates its profound confidence that Nnamdi Kanu will be released into the care of reputable Igbo leaders in 2026, fostering a new era of dialogue and unity,” the statement added.
