The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has launched a scathing attack on Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, accusing him of hypocrisy and political opportunism over comments perceived as criticism of Peter Obi‘s call for the release of detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

 In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, the separatist group expressed outrage over what it described as a contradiction between Soludo’s past and present positions regarding Kanu’s detention.

According to IPOB, Governor Soludo had previously advocated for Kanu’s release and even visited him at the Department of State Services (DSS) facility in Abuja in 2022. The group claimed that the governor publicly supported efforts aimed at securing Kanu’s freedom and had indicated a willingness to stand as surety for him.

The group also referenced comments previously attributed to the Anambra State government suggesting that Kanu’s release could contribute to restoring peace and stability in the South-East region.

IPOB argued that Soludo’s alleged criticism of Peter Obi’s recent call for Kanu’s release represents a significant departure from his earlier stance. The group accused the governor of abandoning a cause he once publicly supported and questioned the motives behind what it described as a change in position.

In the strongly worded statement, IPOB alleged that political calculations and future ambitions were influencing the governor’s actions, claiming that he had chosen to distance himself from the campaign for Kanu’s release for personal political reasons.

The group further maintained that calls for Kanu’s freedom should not be viewed through a partisan or ethnic lens, insisting that individuals from various parts of Nigeria have publicly advocated for the IPOB leader’s release.

IPOB also praised Peter Obi and other prominent figures who have continued to call for Kanu’s release, describing such demands as a pursuit of justice rather than a political agenda.

The organisation reiterated its longstanding position that Kanu should be released unconditionally and urged Nigerians to continue supporting calls for what it termed fairness, equity, and respect for the rule of law.

As of the time of filing this report, Governor Soludo had not publicly responded to the latest statement from IPOB. The Anambra State Government is also yet to issue an official reaction to the allegations and criticisms contained in the statement.

The debate over Nnamdi Kanu’s continued detention remains one of the most contentious political and legal issues in Nigeria, generating differing opinions among political leaders, civil society groups, and stakeholders across the country.