Youths under the banner of the All Igbo Youth Forum (AIYF) have issued a clear ultimatum to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC): Release the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, or forfeit support in the 2027 general elections.
The demand was made during a press conference and solidarity rally held at Awka Hall, Umuahia, following a major legal victory for Kanu in Kenya. Over 600 youths from across the South-East region participated in the gathering, which spilled into a jubilant street march, echoing solidarity chants.
The rally came in the wake of a landmark ruling by a Kenyan High Court in Nairobi on June 26, which declared the 2021 arrest, detention, and extradition of Kanu from Kenya to Nigeria as “illegal, unconstitutional, and a gross violation of his fundamental human rights.” The court, presided over by Justice E. C. Mwita, also ordered the Kenyan government to pay 10 million Kenyan shillings in damages to Kanu.
Describing the judgment as “historic” and a reaffirmation of Kanu’s innocence, the youths called on President Tinubu to act swiftly.
Chinedum Obilor, President General of the AIYF and former Deputy Chairman of Umuahia North Local Government Area, delivered the group’s strong position:
“Mr. President should not be deceived by empty assurances from Igbo political leaders. We, the youths, are the real voices of the people. If you release Kanu, you won’t need to bribe us with rice or money. If you don’t, we’ll align with anyone willing to do so—regardless of tribe or party.”
Obilor warned of potential political repercussions if the Tinubu administration continues to ignore mounting calls for Kanu’s release, stressing that Igbo political elites no longer hold sway over the youth vote.
“Our senators and governors are not in control. If Tinubu wants to secure the South-East in 2027, he must engage directly with the youths. If not, he should expect a repeat of what happened in the last election,” he cautioned.
The group also issued a stern warning to Igbo politicians, urging them to stop using Kanu’s name for political gain.
“They hold our mandate, but we can reclaim it with our votes. The era of manipulating Kanu’s case for personal advantage is over.”
Past appeals for Kanu’s release by respected Igbo statesmen such as Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu and the late Chief Mbazulike Amaechi were referenced as having been ignored by the Federal Government. The youths insist this time the message is different—coming directly from the grassroots.
As Nigeria approaches another crucial election cycle, the South-East appears poised to make the release of Nnamdi Kanu a political litmus test.
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