Ohanaeze Raises Alarm Over Political Plot to Trade Nnamdi Kanu’s Freedom for Tinubu’s 2027 Votes

The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has raised the alarm over what it suspects to be a calculated political move by President Bola Tinubu to trade the release of Nnamdi Kanu in exchange for electoral support from the Southeast ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

In a strongly worded statement issued on Sunday, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the group’s Deputy President-General, accused certain political actors of attempting to turn Kanu’s freedom into a transactional item — one meant to buy Igbo votes.

“We acknowledge the president’s desire to facilitate Kanu’s release,” the statement said. “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 warned that the continued detention of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader must not become a political bargaining chip in the corridors of power.

According to the group, the resolution of Kanu’s case should follow the path of meaningful dialogue and justice — not propaganda, courtroom theatrics, or political manipulation.

“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.”

Ohanaeze also commended David Umahi, the Minister of Works, for helping to create an atmosphere for dialogue between Igbo leaders and the federal government.

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“We recognise Senator Umahi’s role in quelling tensions and creating room for dialogue,” the statement noted.

The group confirmed that discussions surrounding Kanu’s possible release are ongoing and reportedly nearing a resolution. However, it did not mince words in pointing fingers at what it described as “Igbo crisis merchants” — individuals allegedly profiting politically or economically from Kanu’s continued incarceration.

“We issue a stern warning to all groups and individuals: desist from careless vitriol, smear campaigns against the federal government, and inflammatory proclamations,” the group declared.

Ohanaeze called for a 90-day ceasefire on hostile rhetoric and inflammatory comments, urging restraint as political negotiations unfold 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,” the statement said.

While affirming its support for Tinubu’s administration and a peaceful resolution, Ohanaeze insisted that no one — not even the president — should attempt to weaponise Kanu’s freedom as a tool for political reward.

“The Igbo nation remains committed to national dialogue, but Kanu’s freedom must not be leveraged for votes,” it warned.