Uchechi Kanu, wife of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has said her husband is confronting forces “far more darker” than those faced by Nelson Mandela during South Africa’s apartheid struggle.
Okay News reports that she made the comments in a post shared on her X account, where she also defended Kanu’s legacy and described him as Africa’s greatest freedom fighter.
Responding to growing discussions around Kanu’s continued detention, Uchechi said her husband is not a terrorist, insisting that he commands the loyalty of millions of Biafrans around the world.
“The Igbo youths and students are in solidarity with Mazi #NnamdiKanu. #NnamdiKanu is not a terrorist. He is the greatest African Freedom fighter that exists and the leader of millions of Biafrans scattered all over the world who are under his umbrella #IPOB,” she wrote.
She acknowledged that Kanu is not a perfect figure, but said his intentions have always been rooted in his love for his people.
According to her, “he loves his people and his people love him and many are willing to protect him with their last breath.”
Uchechi went further to draw a comparison between her husband’s struggle and Mandela’s, saying the South African icon fought against opponents capable of reasoning, even in a brutal system, while Kanu faces battles she considers more sinister.
“And you know what, Nelson Mandela fought in the arena (apartheid) with those amenable to reasoning, despite its brutality. Mazi #NnamdiKanu, however, fights in the arena against forces far more darker,” she added.
Kanu is currently serving a life sentence at the Sokoto Custodial Centre after being convicted by Justice James Omotosho of the Abuja Federal High Court.
He was found guilty on terrorism-related charges linked to his campaign for the creation of an independent Biafran state.
