3.5 Million Abuja-Based Igbo Demand Political Solution for Kanu’s Trial

Okey Maduforo

Over 3.5 million Igbo of South-East origin residing in Abuja have called for a political resolution to the continued detention of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

They argue that resolving the matter politically would serve the broader interests of justice and national unity.

The group also urged Igbo living in Abuja to participate actively in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, declaring that the time for lamenting marginalization is over.

Speaking to reporters in Awka, the President of the Igbo Community Association in Abuja, Mr. Ikenna-Ellis Ezenekwe, emphasized the importance of political participation by the Igbo community in the Federal Capital Territory.

“The Igbo Community Association in Abuja is calling on all Igbos to participate in the ongoing voter registration exercise. It is time to move beyond complaints of marginalization,” Ezenekwe stated.

He also appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider a political solution in the case of Nnamdi Kanu, who has remained in security custody for over four years without conviction.

“We appeal to President Tinubu to release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu through a political solution. This is a matter that affects not just the Igbo people but the entire nation. If Sunday Igboho could be released, there is no justifiable reason why Mazi Kanu should still be held without being found guilty of any crime,” he said.

Addressing the apathy among South-East youths toward the electoral process, Ezenekwe challenged the prevailing notion that participation is futile.

“Many of our youths believe that their votes do not count due to systemic marginalization. But this is a flawed narrative. With over 3.5 million Igbo in Abuja, if at least 70 percent of us register and collect our Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), we will have significant influence. Those who opt out of the system have gained nothing from such apathy,” he noted.

He reiterated that both voter participation and Kanu’s release are essential steps toward ensuring the fair inclusion of the Igbo people in the Nigerian project.

“The push for political inclusion and justice is not just for Nesssédigbo but for all Nigerians who believe in equity and fairness. Releasing Nnamdi Kanu and encouraging electoral participation are key to ensuring the Igbo are properly integrated into the Nigerian nation,” Ezenekwe added.