Ohanaeze appeals for amnesty for Nnamdi Kanu

The apex Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to grant amnesty to the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, on or before June 12, 2026, as part of efforts to promote national reconciliation and unity.

In a statement signed by its factional Deputy President-General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and National Spokesman, Thompson Ohia, the group said releasing Kanu, especially around Nigeria’s Democracy Day, would show a strong commitment to justice, inclusion, and healing long-standing grievances in the Southeast.

The organisation also stated that Kanu’s agitation has often been misunderstood, adding that his position is closer to the ideas of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, particularly the concept of a “Biafra of the Mind,” rather than a fresh push for secession.

According to the group, this ideology promotes consciousness, self-determination through dialogue, and socio-political equity within a united Nigeria.

The organization traced Kanu’s activism back to his early role under Ralph Uwazuruike, noting that his initial approach was rooted in non-violence and public enlightenment.

However, it acknowledged that evolving security concerns and political tensions over the years contributed to a shift in tone, which has since been misinterpreted by many.

Ohanaeze also dismissed fears that Kanu’s release could destabilize the country or threaten the President’s re-election prospects in 2027. Instead, it argued that such a move would likely enhance Tinubu’s standing in the Southeast and demonstrate leadership anchored on reconciliation.

The group further alleged that opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rabiu Kwankwaso, are leveraging Kanu’s continued detention as a political tool to galvanize support among Igbo voters ahead of the 2027 general elections.

While making its appeal, Ohanaeze commended the Tinubu administration for ongoing infrastructure development in the Southeast, particularly the rehabilitation of key federal roads.

It described these efforts as a step in the right direction but stressed that releasing Kanu would carry even greater symbolic and political significance.

Reaffirming its stance, the organization expressed confidence that Kanu, if released, would embrace dialogue and contribute constructively to national discourse rather than incite conflict.

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo believes that granting amnesty to Nnamdi Kanu will open a new chapter of trust, unity, and cooperative nation-building,” the statement concluded.

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