The family of Nnamdi Kanu, the embattled leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has revealed an agreement made with President Bola Tinubu regarding Kanu’s release. This revelation comes amidst ongoing discussions about the political climate in Nigeria.
Kanu’s brother, Kanunta, disclosed that he reached this pact with Tinubu’s son, Seyi, prior to the 2023 presidential election. According to Kanunta, this meeting was sanctioned by President Tinubu, who has since been criticized for not honoring the agreement.
In his statement, Kanunta explained that the initial understanding was that the IPOB would not boycott the elections in exchange for Kanu’s release if Tinubu won. He stated: “Before the last election, I received a message from an ex-governor that Seyi, the son of President Tinubu, wanted to see me. I agreed to meet with him on the condition that the overriding priority and hence the fulcrum of our discussion will be the release of my brother.”
During the meeting held in Abuja, Kanunta emphasized that Seyi confirmed his father’s approval of their discussions, ensuring that any agreements made would be binding on then-candidate Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Kanunta communicated this understanding to Kanu, who reaffirmed his commitment to not disrupt the electoral process.
Kanunta further expressed his disappointment that nearly two years into Tinubu’s presidency, Nnamdi Kanu remains detained without any charges against him. He stated, “It defies logic that nearly two years after President Tinubu assumed the mantle of leadership in Nigeria, my brother is still in detention despite not having any charge against him.”
Kanunta’s statements highlight the continuing tension surrounding the Biafra movement and the expectations placed on political leaders to uphold agreements made during electoral campaigns. For more details, access the full story here.
