The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has criticised Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Charles Soludo, over his reported opposition to former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, regarding calls for the release of the detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
In a statement issued on Monday, IPOB spokesperson, Emma Powerful, accused the governor of adopting a position that contradicts his previous public statements concerning Kanu’s continued detention.
According to the group, Governor Soludo had in the past openly supported efforts aimed at securing Kanu’s release. IPOB referenced reports of the governor’s visit to Kanu at a Department of State Services (DSS) facility in Abuja in January 2023, during which he was said to have expressed willingness to stand as surety for the detained separatist leader.
The organisation also cited comments attributed to Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, who reportedly stated in March 2025 that the governor remained committed to initiatives designed to facilitate Kanu’s release as part of broader efforts to restore peace and stability in the South-East region.
IPOB expressed concern that the same administration would allegedly criticise Peter Obi for advocating a similar position, describing the development as inconsistent with the governor’s earlier stance.
The group questioned what it described as a shift in Soludo’s position and suggested that political considerations may have influenced the governor’s current approach to the issue.
IPOB further argued that appeals for Kanu’s release have come from various political, religious and regional leaders across the country, stressing that the matter should not be viewed through a partisan lens.
The organisation cited several notable figures who had previously called for dialogue and a political resolution to Kanu’s case, including late elder statesman Mbazulike Amaechi and former President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, George Obiozor.
According to the group, the continued detention of its leader remains a major concern among its members and supporters, who believe a political solution remains the most viable path to lasting peace in the South-East.
IPOB reiterated its call on the Federal Government to consider Kanu’s release and reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing the matter through peaceful advocacy and lawful engagement.
The group also expressed appreciation to individuals and organisations that have continued to advocate for Kanu’s freedom, stating that such efforts contribute to ongoing conversations around justice, reconciliation and national unity.
