A prominent justice advocate, Chijioke Nwachukwu, has publicly condemned recent political statements suggesting that the detention of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), could be leveraged as a political bargaining chip ahead of the 2027 elections.
In a strongly worded statement, Nwachukwu emphasized that Kanu’s detention is fundamentally a matter of justice and human rights, not political maneuvering or electoral strategy. He described the ongoing incarceration as both illegal and morally indefensible, urging political actors to respect the rule of law.
“Using his release as a bargaining chip undermines legal principles and trivialises the suffering of the Igbo people,” Nwachukwu stated, highlighting the gravity of the issue beyond political convenience.
The advocate specifically criticized remarks made by Nigerian Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, who suggested that the Igbo people should offer political support in the upcoming elections in exchange for Kanu’s freedom. Nwachukwu dismissed Umahi’s position as offensive and unrepresentative of the Igbo community, asserting, “He does not speak for Ndigbo. He speaks only for himself and a few self-serving opportunists.”
Referencing key judicial decisions, Nwachukwu pointed out that Kanu’s innocence has been affirmed by multiple courts. He cited the October 2022 Nigerian Court of Appeal ruling that discharged and acquitted Kanu of all charges, as well as a June 2025 Kenyan High Court decision that condemned Kanu’s abduction and extraordinary rendition as violations of international law and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. A Nigerian Federal High Court has also echoed these findings.
“Kanu’s continued illegal detention is not a matter for political negotiations or electoral permutations. It is a matter of justice, law, and fundamental human rights,” Nwachukwu stressed.
He condemned those who view Kanu’s fate as a negotiable political asset, calling them “a disgrace and a betrayal.” Further criticizing political opportunism, he challenged Umahi to hold a town hall meeting in major Igbo cities such as Enugu, Aba, or Onitsha to gauge genuine public opinion.
Nwachukwu reaffirmed Kanu’s widespread support among the Igbo people, attributing it to deep-rooted frustrations stemming from historical marginalization. “Reducing him to a political bargaining chip insults the pain and resilience of Ndigbo and Biafrans everywhere,” he declared.
He also chastised politicians who shift allegiances based on power dynamics, labeling them “errand boys,” and urged Nigerian leaders to demonstrate courage and integrity.
“Kanu’s release is a legal, moral, and constitutional obligation. It should not be traded for votes or political favours,” Nwachukwu concluded.
He warned that both the Igbo community and the international arena are closely monitoring the situation, cautioning that history will judge harshly those who sacrifice justice for political expediency, okay.ng reports.
