Ohanaeze President Calls for Nnamdi Kanu’s Release, Urges Igbos to Register to Vote

Senator John Azuta-Mbata, President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has appealed to the Federal Government to release the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to allow him access to proper medical care.

In a video message shared on Thursday, Azuta-Mbata also urged Igbos across Nigeria to actively participate in the ongoing voter registration exercise and obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

Azuta-Mbata emphasized that Kanu’s prolonged detention has been a major source of political and security tension in Nigeria. Kanu was initially arrested in 2015 on charges of treasonable felony, jumped bail in 2017, and fled the country. He was rearrested in Kenya in June 2021 during a controversial operation by Nigerian security operatives and has since been held by the Department of State Services (DSS).

Calling for a political resolution, Azuta-Mbata stated that the Federal Government gains no advantage from continuing Kanu’s detention. He stressed the importance of safeguarding Kanu’s welfare and providing him with medical attention.

He said,

“I’m calling upon Ndigbo—wherever you are in Nigeria—to take advantage of the voter registration exercise going on now. Go and get your PVCs as quickly as possible.

“Secondly, I urge the Federal Government to release Nnamdi Kanu. There is no real advantage in keeping him detained. The government must ensure his safety and allow him to receive medical treatment promptly. A political solution should be pursued, as continued detention serves no meaningful purpose.”

Azuta-Mbata’s remarks underscore the ongoing calls for a resolution to one of Nigeria’s most contentious political issues while encouraging civic engagement among Igbos ahead of upcoming elections.