Ohanaeze Gives Reasons Behind Nnamdi Kanu’s Activities

By Alex Odeh, Pan Afric Reporters

The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has given clarification behind the agitation and struggle by the incarcerated leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, saying that the intention of Kanu was miscontrued by a segment of Nigeria as secessionist movement.

Ohanaeze gave the clarification through a press statement issued on Tuesday and signed by Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro and Chief Thomson Ohia, who are Deputy President General and National Spokesman of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, from where they traced reasons for Nnamdi Kanu’s activities.

According to the release, “Kanu’s mission was to advance the vision propounded by the late Dim Odumegwu Chukwuemeka Ojukwu—namely, to promote the concept of a “Biafra of the Mind, adding, ” This notion, articulated post-Civil War, was explicitly anchored in the belief that there was no justification for a renewed secessionist campaign from Nigeria.

Ohanaeze explained that Kanu’s activities grew when the Muhammadu Buhari’s administration allowed Fulani herdsmen to threaten the existence of Nigeria.

The statement reads in part, “Historical accuracy demands we illuminate the truth: Nnamdi Kanu’s journey as a Biafra activist began in 2001, rooted in a commitment to non-violence. Initially appointed as the Director of Radio Biafra International in London by the esteemed Chief Raph Uwazuruike, Kanu’s mission was to advance the vision propounded by the late Dim Odumegwu Chukwuemeka Ojukwu—namely, to promote the concept of a “Biafra of the Mind.” This notion, articulated post-Civil War, was explicitly anchored in the belief that there was no justification for a renewed secessionist campaign from Nigeria.

“Kanu’s deviation from this noble approach arose from the palpable threat posed by state-sponsored Fulani herdsmen, exacerbated under the previous administration of Former President Muhammadu Buhari. Labeling this unsettling trend as the “Fulanization Agenda,” Kanu awakened a consciousness among the Igbo to the grievous dangers we face.

“Regrettably, this essential advocacy became entwined with opportunistic individuals seeking fame and fortune, thereby compromising the integrity of Kanu’s initial vision. Furthermore, the diaspora Igbo communities, affected profoundly by the negative portrayal of Nigeria’s Image during the Buhari years, sought a new identity as a means of survival, fueling further misunderstandings of Kanu’s intentions.

“In light of this historical context, Ohanaeze Ndigbo earnestly appeals to the compassion of President Tinubu to consider the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu. The recent release of former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai serves as a compelling precedent, strengthening the argument for Kanu’s amnesty, which we advocate be executed by May 29, 2026, or on the occasion of the Democracy Day celebrations on June 12, 2026. We assert with conviction that Kanu’s release will not jeopardize your re-election prospects in 2027; on the contrary, it will solidify a stronger bond with the Igbo people and fortify your position as a leader of inclusion and reconciliation.

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo possesses credible intelligence indicating that the opposition coalition, comprised of Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rabiu Kwankwaso under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has manipulated Kanu’s incarceration as a political campaign strategy to mislead Igbo voters ahead of the 2027 elections. We respectfully remind President Tinubu that Nnamdi Kanu is, fundamentally, an advocate for Ojukwu’s “Biafra of the Mind,” seeking to draw urgent attention to the systemic marginalization of the Southeast and to demand the rehabilitation of infrastructures devastated during the Nigeria-Biafra Civil War.

“It is essential to underscore that Nnamdi Kanu does not possess the capacity or intent to instigate another civil war or conflict. He stands as a proponent of dialogue and understanding, not as a secessionist figure. Concomitantly, we commend President Tinubu for being the first Nigerian leader in over fifty-six years to initiate the reconstruction of critical federal roadway projects in the Southeast, including the reopening of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway as of today, March 31, 2026”, it stated.