2027 Election: Igbos Won’t Trade Nnamdi Kanu’s Freedom For Your Re-election - Igbo Nation Warns Tinubu
By: Israel Adeleke
OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports that the Ọhanaeze Ndigbo, an Igbo socio-cultural organization in Nigeria, has warned President Bola Tinubu that the release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, must not be tied to political support from the southeast in the 2027 elections.
OTN News further reports that the group who disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday, by its deputy president-general of the apex Igbo sociocultural organisation, said that the group welcomed Tinubu’s readiness to negotiate a political solution but rejected any attempt to make Kanu’s freedom a transactional offer.
According to them, “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.” the group warned.
Furthermore, Ohanaeze said that Kanu’s continued detention should be resolved through dialogue, not political manipulation, courtroom theatrics, or propaganda.
The group deputy added, “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 the Minister of Works, David Umahi, 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.
OTN News observes that, Ohanaeze also called for a 90-day ceasefire from hostile rhetoric, urging restraint while sensitive political discussions continue behind closed doors.
The group said, “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 added.
Subsequently, 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, however, 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.
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