Releasing Nnamdi Kanu impacts Peter Obi — Ohanaeze

In a recent statement, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, led by factional Secretary-General Isiguzoro Okechukwu, has emphasized the potential ramifications of the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) on Peter Obi and the Igbo nation.

The socio-cultural group underscored that Kanu’s freedom could significantly alter the political dynamics in the Southeast region.

The statement, released on Thursday, urged President Bola Tinubu to remain steadfast in his decision-making process concerning Kanu’s release and cautioned against yielding to demands from certain Igbo political elites. Ohanaeze Ndigbo highlighted that the credit for Kanu’s potential release should be solely attributed to President Tinubu, dismissing attempts by opportunistic individuals to claim undue recognition.

The group elaborated that the anticipated release of Kanu would likely diminish the influence and popularity of prominent figures in the Southeast, specifically mentioning Simon Ekpa, a self-acclaimed Biafra agitator, and Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the previous election.

“It has come to our attention that certain mischievous Igbo political elites and deviant opportunists are attempting to take undue credit for Nnamdi Kanu’s potential release,” read an excerpt from Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s statement. “We emphasize that the effects of Nnamdi Kanu’s release will gradually diminish the rising popularity of both Peter Obi and Simon Ekpa in the Southeast.”

The group further emphasized the potential positive impact on the region’s security, suggesting that Ekpa’s alleged disruptive activities and perceived tendencies towards terrorism would potentially become a thing of the past post-Kanu’s release.

In a resolute tone, Ohanaeze Ndigbo reaffirmed its support for President Tinubu, expressing confidence in his ability to handle the matter with careful consideration while urging him to disregard visits or demands from those seeking to claim unmerited recognition for Kanu’s potential release.

“We assure him that the Igbo nation stands behind him, and we trust that he will handle this matter with utmost care and consideration,” concluded the statement.