Politics

Presidency Responds to Obi as Ohanaeze Demands Nnamdi Kanu’s Release

Published by Tope Fakinlede on July 10th, 2025.

Presidency Responds to Obi as Ohanaeze Demands Nnamdi Kanu’s Release

Peter Obi

Fresh tensions have emerged between the Nigerian Presidency and key voices from the South-East over the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

The renewed debate was triggered after former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, publicly called for Kanu’s immediate and unconditional release. His stance drew support from both IPOB and the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, who described the call as bold and long overdue.

However, the Presidency pushed back strongly. A senior government source, speaking anonymously, accused Obi of harboring sympathies for IPOB and described his position as contradictory for someone seeking national leadership.

“Peter Obi has made statements that align with separatist views, yet he wants to govern Nigeria. That doesn’t add up,” the source said. He further emphasized that Kanu’s case remains before the court and should be allowed to proceed without interference.

“The judiciary must be allowed to complete its process. If he’s found not guilty, he’ll walk free. But if there’s a conviction, then the law must take its course,” the official added.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, stated that while the Federal Government is open to dialogue on Kanu’s release, it cannot be used as a political bargaining chip.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo reaffirmed its demand for Kanu’s unconditional release, saying his prolonged detention—now spanning over four years—amounts to injustice.

Dr. Ezechi Chukwu, spokesperson for Ohanaeze, told reporters that the continued incarceration of Kanu defies both justice and fairness. “Justice delayed is justice denied,” he said.

He added that while he could not confirm specific negotiations between the Federal Government and Igbo leaders, the organization remains fully committed to advocating a political solution to secure Kanu’s release.

Deputy National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze, Ikechukwu Oji, echoed similar views. He argued that Kanu’s extradition from Kenya was fraught with legal irregularities and called on President Bola Tinubu to exercise constitutional powers to explore diplomatic pathways for a resolution.

“The leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo has consistently called for the release of Nnamdi Kanu without conditions. We believe that justice must prevail and that his continued detention is unjustified,” Oji said.

IPOB also voiced support for Obi’s position. In a statement from its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, the group praised Obi for speaking out while many political leaders from the region remain silent.

“Peter Obi’s comments reflect a rare voice of moral clarity in an environment clouded by fear and political convenience,” the statement read. IPOB dismissed claims of ongoing negotiations and warned against any backroom deals, reiterating that the only acceptable solution is a United Nations-supervised referendum.

The group acknowledged that Kanu has previously criticized Obi, but commended the former governor for his dignified restraint. They also recalled Obi’s presence at the funeral of Kanu’s parents in Afaraukwu Ibeku, noting that he stood with the family when others avoided the event due to security concerns.