The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has accused Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, of opposing the release of its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu, because of an alleged ambition to become Nigeria’s vice president in 2031.
The accusation was contained in a statement issued by IPOB spokesman, Emma Powerful, following criticism of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, for calling for Kanu’s release.
IPOB described what it called Soludo’s alleged ambition to emerge as vice president on a Fulani-led ticket in 2031 as “shameless,” while accusing the governor of abandoning earlier commitments he made regarding Kanu’s freedom.
According to the group, Soludo had previously advocated for Kanu’s release after visiting him in detention but has now taken a different position.
“The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has watched with utter disgust and righteous anger as Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo of Anambra State, through his government, viciously attacked Mr. Peter Obi for demanding the immediate and unconditional release of our leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
“What a tragic betrayal! What a painful display of naked hypocrisy and desperate political prostitution!” the statement said.
IPOB recalled that Soludo visited Kanu at the Department of State Services (DSS) facility in Abuja in January 2023 and publicly supported his release.
“Let it be known to the world that in January 2023, the same Governor Soludo made a high-profile visit to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu at the DSS facility in Abuja. He sat with our leader, shook his hands, looked into his eyes, and publicly demanded his release. He went as far as offering to stand as surety for Kanu.
“As recently as March 2025, Soludo’s own Commissioner for Information, Mr. Law Mefor, boasted that the governor ‘has been actively working towards Kanu’s release’ because he believed it would restore peace in the South-East,” IPOB stated.
The group expressed surprise at what it described as a reversal by the governor, saying Peter Obi’s call for Kanu’s release was similar to positions Soludo had previously taken.
“Today, the same Soludo, through his government, describes Peter Obi’s identical call for justice as ‘a slap on the Nigerian judiciary’ and claims it undermines judicial processes. This is not statesmanship. This is the height of treachery and political chameleonic behaviour.
“Governor Soludo, what suddenly changed? What changed is your blind and shameless ambition to become Vice President in 2031 under a Fulani-led ticket. You have now chosen to sacrifice Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and the collective interest of the Igbo nation on the altar of caliphate appeasement,” the statement added.
IPOB further alleged that Soludo benefited politically from Kanu’s popularity during his governorship campaign but has now distanced himself from the cause.
“You visited Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in detention when you needed Igbo votes and his moral endorsement to become governor. Now that you occupy the seat, you have shamelessly turned against him and the people who put you there, all in pursuit of crumbs from Abuja,” it said.
The group also accused the governor of abandoning the broader Igbo cause and disrespecting notable Igbo leaders who had advocated for Kanu’s release.
“Soludo’s shameful new stance is not only a betrayal of the Igbo cause but a direct insult to the memory of great Igbo icons who fearlessly championed the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu,” IPOB stated.
Reaffirming its support for those calling for Kanu’s freedom, IPOB said it stood with Peter Obi, Primate Elijah Ayodele, and other Nigerians advocating his release.
“IPOB stands firmly with Mr. Peter Obi, Prophet Ayodele, and every well-meaning Nigerian — Igbo, Yoruba, Hausa, Middle Belt, and beyond — who continues to demand the immediate release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
“The release of our leader is not a political tool for ambition; it is a non-negotiable demand for justice, equity, and the restoration of the dignity of the Igbo nation and the conscience of Nigeria,” the statement said.
The group concluded by reiterating its demand for Kanu’s unconditional release and insisting that opposition from “traitors” would not derail its pursuit of Biafra.
“Release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu Now! The spirit of Biafra is alive. The resolve of Ndigbo and all justice-loving Nigerians remains unshaken. No amount of political gymnastics or betrayal from modern-day Efulefus like Soludo can stop the unstoppable march towards freedom and justice.”
