Igbo youths demand Nnamdi Kanu’s release, threaten 2027 boycott

DDM News

The All Igbo Youth Forum has issued a warning to the federal government, threatening to boycott the 2027 general elections unless Nnamdi Kanu is released.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the group, led by its National President, Chief Chinedu Obilor, made the declaration during a press conference on Tuesday.

Obilor stated that the continuous detention of Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is unjust and politically motivated.

He said the group had earlier planned a protest but suspended it following a dialogue with the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Benjamin Kalu.

According to Obilor, Kalu gave assurances that the presidency is currently engaging in behind-the-scenes dialogue concerning Kanu’s release.

Despite the assurance, Obilor warned that their demand is not negotiable.

He declared that Igbo youths “cannot talk of 2027 elections while Nnamdi Kanu remains in detention.”

The group said it would give the Deputy Speaker a two-month grace period to secure action from President Bola Tinubu.

Should that fail, Obilor vowed that “10 million Igbo youths” would march on Abuja in a peaceful protest.

“If they fail, we will dare them to jail all of us,” he threatened.

He condemned the selective treatment of agitators in Nigeria, pointing out that other ethnic agitators and suspected terrorists have been released while Kanu remains in custody.

Obilor accused the federal government of using Kanu’s detention as a political tool to weaken the Igbo voice ahead of the next elections.

He argued that Igbo youths will not participate in any electoral process that disregards their legitimate demand.

Obilor also criticised the recent federal appointments under President Tinubu, stating that Igbos have been deliberately excluded.

He described the situation as “unacceptable marginalisation” and a clear violation of the principles of equity and inclusion.

“How can we say we’re one Nigeria when Igbo people are always excluded?” he asked.

The youth leader also voiced opposition to any northern ambition for the 2027 presidency.

He noted that the North had already ruled for eight years under former President Muhammadu Buhari.

He insisted that the South should complete its own eight-year tenure under the current administration.

“Any coalition that won’t cede the ticket to the South will not fly,” he declared.

Obilor also expressed disappointment in some Igbo elites, accusing them of working against Kanu’s freedom for political gain.

He urged President Tinubu to engage with genuine Igbo representatives who have grassroots credibility, rather than recycled politicians.

“We who live here with our families have the real followers,” he said.

The continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu remains one of the most controversial issues in Nigeria’s political discourse.

Kanu, who was abducted from Kenya in 2021 and extradited to Nigeria under questionable circumstances, has been in detention despite several court rulings in his favor.

The IPOB leader is widely regarded as a symbol of Igbo resistance and self-determination by many in the South-East.

Observers say the growing agitation around his case could have major implications for Nigeria’s 2027 elections and national stability.

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