The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has accused Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, of opposing calls for the release of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, because of an alleged ambition to become Nigeria’s Vice President in 2031 on a Fulani-led presidential ticket.
The allegation was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by IPOB spokesperson, Emma Powerful, following criticism of former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi's call for Kanu’s release.
IPOB claimed that Soludo had reversed his earlier position on Kanu’s detention despite previously advocating for his freedom. The group recalled that the governor visited Kanu at the Department of State Services (DSS) facility in Abuja in January 2023 and publicly supported calls for his release.
According to the statement, “The same Governor Soludo made a high-profile visit to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu at the DSS facility in Abuja. He sat with our leader, shook his hands, looked into his eyes, and publicly demanded his release.”
The group also referenced comments reportedly made by Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, in March 2025, suggesting that the governor had been working towards Kanu’s release as part of efforts to restore peace in the South-East.
IPOB said it was surprised by what it described as Soludo’s change of position after his administration reportedly criticised Peter Obi for making a similar demand.
“This is not statesmanship. This is the height of treachery and political chameleonic behaviour,” the group stated.
The organisation further alleged that Soludo’s current stance was linked to future political calculations.
“Governor Soludo, what suddenly changed? What changed is your blind and shameless ambition to become Vice President in 2031 under a Fulani-led ticket,” the statement said.
IPOB also accused the governor of benefiting politically from support associated with Kanu’s popularity before distancing himself from the cause after assuming office.
“You visited Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in detention when you needed Igbo votes and his moral endorsement to become governor. Now that you occupy the seat, you have shamelessly turned against him,” the group alleged.
The pro-Biafra organisation maintained that demands for Kanu’s release extend beyond the South-East and continue to attract support from individuals and groups across Nigeria.
“Justice knows no tribe. Only a man chasing personal ambition at the expense of his people would pretend otherwise,” the statement added.
IPOB expressed support for Peter Obi and other Nigerians who have called for Kanu’s release, insisting that the matter should not be treated as a political issue.
“The release of our leader is not a political tool for ambition; it is a non-negotiable demand for justice, equity, and the restoration of the dignity of the Igbo nation and the conscience of Nigeria,” the group said.
The organisation concluded by restating its demand for Kanu’s unconditional release and reaffirming its commitment to the Biafra cause.
“Release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu now. The spirit of Biafra is alive. The resolve of Ndigbo and all justice-loving Nigerians remains unshaken,” the statement said.
Neither Governor Soludo nor the Anambra State Government had publicly responded to the latest allegations by IPOB as of the time of filing this report.
