Ohanaeze Ndigbo Urges President Tinubu to Release Nnamdi Kanu to Secure 2027 South East Support

President Tinubu receives 2027 support assurance from Ohanaeze Ndigbo if Nnamdi Kanu is released by 2026 to foster national unity and regional stability.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 31, 2026, 10:07 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Politics Nigeria

A Strategic Appeal for National Reconciliation

The leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo has formally addressed the presidency regarding the ongoing detention of Nnamdi Kanu at the Sokoto Correctional facility. In a statement released on Tuesday, the organization’s Deputy President General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and National Spokesman, Thomson Ohia, argued that the release of the Indigenous People of Biafra leader would not jeopardize the administration’s standing. Instead, the group suggests that such a gesture would foster a new era of dialogue and unity, positioning the President as a leader committed to inclusive governance ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle.

Redefining the Ideology of Biafra of the Mind

According to the group’s leadership, there is a significant public misconception regarding the nature of Kanu’s advocacy. Ohanaeze Ndigbo maintains that Kanu’s original mission, which began over two decades ago, was rooted in a non-violent philosophy described as a Biafra of the Mind. This concept, originally articulated after the civil war, focuses on cultural and psychological identity rather than a renewed campaign for territorial secession. The organization claims that Kanu’s stance only shifted in response to perceived security threats from state-sponsored actors during the previous administration, which they believe radicalized his public image.

Countering Opposition Tactics and Campaign Strategies

The socio-political group raised alarms concerning the potential for opposition leaders to exploit the current situation for electoral gain. Ohanaeze Ndigbo stated it has credible information that a coalition including figures such as Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, and Rabiu Kwankwaso intends to use Kanu’s imprisonment as a central campaign strategy to sway voters in the South East. By releasing Kanu before the 2027 elections, the group argues that President Tinubu would effectively neutralize this political maneuver and solidify a direct bond with the Igbo people that bypasses opposition narratives.