The call for the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has sparked fresh tension between the Presidency and Southeast leaders, including Peter Obi, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, and IPOB.
Obi, former Anambra State governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, on Sunday demanded the immediate release of Kanu, saying his prolonged detention lacked legal or moral justification.
Reacting to the statement, a Presidency source, speaking anonymously, accused Obi of harboring separatist tendencies, alleging that the LP flag bearer has consistently shown sympathy toward IPOB, a group proscribed as a terrorist organisation by the Nigerian government.
“Peter Obi supports IPOB and has made it public, yet he wants to lead Nigeria. That’s a contradiction,” the source said, insisting that Nnamdi Kanu’s trial must run its course before any political solution could be considered.
The source added, “Let the courts decide. If Kanu is found not guilty, he will be released. If found guilty, he will face the consequences. We cannot interfere in an ongoing judicial process.”
Meanwhile, the apex Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, reaffirmed its longstanding demand for Kanu’s unconditional release. In separate interviews, its spokesperson Dr Ezechi Chukwu and Deputy Publicity Secretary Ikechukwu Oji described Kanu’s over-four-year detention as unjust and politically motivated.
Chukwu said, “Justice delayed is justice denied. Ohanaeze unequivocally supports his release. It is long overdue.”
Oji, on his part, questioned the legality of Nnamdi Kanu’s extradition from Kenya, urging President Bola Tinubu to explore diplomatic solutions in resolving the matter.
IPOB also reacted, praising Obi for taking a bold stance when other political leaders from the Southeast remained silent. Its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, described Obi’s comments as “a voice of reason” and called out Minister of Works David Umahi for “spreading falsehoods” about negotiations.
The group stressed that Kanu’s release must be based on justice, not political deals, and dismissed any notion of secret negotiations. It reiterated its demand for a United Nations-supervised referendum on Biafra’s independence as the only acceptable resolution.
Despite Kanu’s past criticism of Obi, IPOB acknowledged the former governor’s “dignified silence” and moral clarity, especially during sensitive moments like attending the funeral of Kanu’s parents when others stayed away due to military presence.
“Obi’s call reflects courage and a conscience-driven stance. It recognises that Nigeria has more to lose by continuing this illegal detention,” IPOB said.
The Federal Government, however, maintains its position that only the courts can determine Kanu’s fate, dismissing political interference or premature releases.
