IPOB Blasts Soludo For Attacking Obi Over Kanu’s Release Demand

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has strongly condemned Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo for criticizing presidential candidate Peter Obi’s demand for the immediate release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. IPOB’s rebuke follows the governor’s public opposition to the demand, escalating regional political tensions.

Through Commissioner for Information Dr. Law Mefor, Governor Soludo labeled Obi’s appeal a “slap on the Nigerian judiciary” that undermines legal processes. IPOB rejected this stance, viewing the remarks as a betrayal of the movement’s efforts to secure their leader’s freedom.

In a press statement issued yesterday, IPOB’s Spokesman, Emma Powerful, accused Soludo of “betrayal” and “political chameleonic behaviour,” recalling that Governor Soludo had previously advocated for Kanu’s release only to reverse his stance.

IPOB cited two past instances to back its claim: “On May 13, 2022, Soludo visited Kanu at the DSS facility in Abuja and publicly called for his release, even offering to stand as surety.

“In March 2025, Soludo’s Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, said the governor was ‘actively working towards Kanu’s release’ to restore peace in the South East”.

The group contrasted this with Soludo’s recent reaction to Peter Obi’s demand for Kanu’s “immediate and unconditional release,” which the Anambra government described as “a slap on the Nigerian judiciary.” IPOB called that position “the height of treachery” and linked it to Soludo’s alleged ambition to become the Vice Presidency in 2031.

“Governor Soludo, what suddenly changed? What changed is your blind and shameless ambition . You have now chosen to sacrifice Mazi Nnamdi Kanu on the altar of caliphate appeasement,” the statement read.

IPOB framed Kanu’s detention as “illegal” and a “violation of court orders,” and described Soludo’s stance was an “insult” to late Igbo leaders, including Mbazulike Amaechi and former Ohanaeze Ndigbo president, George Obiozor, and the late Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu who had supported Kanu’s release.

The group also said the demand for Kanu’s release “is not an Igbo affair alone,” citing support from Yoruba cleric, Prophet Ayodele, and “well-meaning Nigerians” across other regions.

IPOB, however, sent a warning to Soludo: “The Igbo nation has a long memory, your northern masters will never trust a proven betrayer of his own people.”

Following his June 2021 arrest, IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu was sentenced to life imprisonment for terrorism and treason by Justice James Omotosho on November 20, 2025 . Kanu, who has consistently denied all charges, subsequently filed a 22-ground appeal to quash the conviction. His appeal alleges severe errors in law, a denial of a fair hearing, and a grave miscarriage of justice during the trial.