Ohanaeze Ndigbo has warned President Bola Tinubu that the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), must not be tied to political support from the southeast in the 2027 elections.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, deputy president-general of the apex Igbo sociocultural organisation, said the group welcomed Tinubu’s readiness to negotiate a political solution but rejected any attempt to make Kanu’s freedom a transactional offer.
Part of the statement read: “We acknowledge the president’s desire to facilitate Kanu’s release.
“But this must not be construed as contingent upon garnering the support of the Igbo nation for Tinubu’s re-election campaign in 2027.”
Ohanaeze said Kanu’s continued detention should be resolved through dialogue, not political manipulation, courtroom theatrics, or propaganda.
The group said: “It is critical to acknowledge that not every battle is destined to be won in the courtroom, nor does every matter necessitate the invocation of brutal propaganda or coercive threats.
“The Igbo people are neither lawless nor uncivilised. We are a sophisticated nation, imbued with wisdom and foresight.”
The organisation commended David Umahi, Minister of Works, for leading efforts to de-escalate tensions in the southeast and facilitate high-level talks between Igbo leaders and the federal government.
“We recognise Senator Umahi’s role in quelling tensions and creating room for dialogue,” it said.
According to Ohanaeze, discussions over Kanu’s release are progressing, and a resolution is drawing near.
But it warned against what it described as “Igbo crisis merchants” — individuals allegedly benefitting from Kanu’s prolonged detention — saying they pose a threat to the ongoing negotiations.
“We issue a stern warning to all groups and individuals: desist from careless vitriol, smear campaigns against the federal government, and inflammatory proclamations,” the statement read.
Ohanaeze also called for a 90-day ceasefire from hostile rhetoric, urging restraint while sensitive political discussions continue behind closed doors.
“The Igbo nation will hold accountable anyone whose illegitimate actions derail this critical process.
“Courtroom drama alone will not suffice. The political solution lies within the president’s jurisdiction,” it said.
Ohanaeze expressed full support for the peaceful path being explored but reiterated that Kanu’s release must not be politicised or used to bargain for votes.
The group reaffirmed its commitment to national dialogue and its support for Tinubu’s administration, but insisted that the freedom of Nnamdi Kanu should not be leveraged for electoral gains.
