The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has sharply criticised Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, over his recent comments on Labour Party figure Peter Obi’s renewed call for the release of its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
In a statement released on Monday, IPOB spokesperson Emma Powerful accused the governor of inconsistency and “political betrayal,” claiming Soludo had previously supported efforts to secure Kanu’s release but had now shifted position.
The group pointed to earlier instances it says demonstrate Soludo’s past support. It recalled that in May 2022, the governor visited Kanu at a DSS facility in Abuja, where he publicly appealed for his release and even offered to stand as surety. IPOB also referenced comments made in March 2025 by Soludo’s Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, which suggested the administration was working behind the scenes to secure Kanu’s freedom.
The latest dispute stems from Soludo’s reaction to Peter Obi’s recent call for Kanu’s “immediate and unconditional release.” The Anambra government had described Obi’s position as an affront to the judiciary, a remark IPOB strongly rejected.
In its response, the group accused Soludo of abandoning his earlier stance for political reasons, even suggesting his position was tied to wider ambitions within the national political space.
“Governor Soludo, what has changed?” the statement read. “What has changed is your ambition. You have chosen to sacrifice Mazi Nnamdi Kanu for political convenience.”
IPOB maintained that Kanu’s continued detention is unlawful, insisting it violates existing court orders. It also invoked the names of several prominent Igbo leaders it said had previously supported calls for his release.
The group further argued that support for Kanu’s freedom extends beyond the South-East, citing backing from figures in other parts of the country, including religious leaders and civil society voices.
It warned Soludo to reconsider his position, saying the Igbo people would not forget what it described as a “betrayal.”
Nnamdi Kanu has remained in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 2021 on charges bordering on terrorism and treason, which he has consistently denied. His case is still before the courts as appeals continue.
