|By Adeknle Adejumo
Igbo youths under the All Igbo Youth Forum have issued a bold condition to President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC): release Nnamdi Kanu or lose our votes in 2027.
At a well-attended press conference and solidarity march held at Awka Hall, Umuahia, the group insisted that the unconditional release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, is non-negotiable if Tinubu hopes to win support in the South-East during the 2027 general elections.
The event, which drew over 600 participants from all five South-East states, came in response to a landmark ruling by a Kenyan High Court in Nairobi. On June 26, Justice E. C. Mwita declared Kanu’s 2021 abduction and rendition from Kenya to Nigeria “illegal, unconstitutional, and a gross violation of his fundamental human rights,” awarding him 10 million Kenyan shillings in damages.
Amid cheers, chants, and a spirited march through the streets of Umuahia, the youths hailed the judgment as a victory for justice and a global validation of Kanu’s innocence. They called on President Tinubu to act swiftly in line with the court’s ruling and growing calls for Kanu’s freedom.
“The 2027 elections are clear for us: no Kanu, no support,” declared Chinedum Obilor, President General of the All Igbo Youth Forum and former Deputy Chairman of Umuahia North Local Government Area.
Obilor emphasized that power in the region no longer rests with elected officials but with the youth who, according to him, truly represent the pulse of the people.
“Mr. President should not be deceived by empty assurances from Igbo political leaders,” he said.
“We, the youths, are in charge of Igbo land—not the senators, not the governors. If you release Kanu, you don’t need to give us rice or money to vote for you. But if you don’t, we will align with anyone who is willing to release him, regardless of tribe.”
He further warned the APC not to underestimate the political cost of continued detention, recalling how the 2023 elections reflected youth dissatisfaction with the federal government’s approach to Igbo issues.
Obilor accused regional politicians of misleading the presidency and exploiting Kanu’s name for personal political gain.
“Our governors and lawmakers are deceiving you. They claim to have control, but they don’t. Come and work with the youths, or what happened in the last election will happen again.”
Referencing the past unheeded pleas of Igbo elders like Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu and Chief Mbazulike Amaechi, Obilor insisted that this time, it is the youth making the call—and they won’t be ignored.
The Forum also issued a stern warning to Igbo politicians:
“We are warning our political leaders to stop using Kanu’s name to play politics. That era is over. They hold our mandate, and we can use our votes to take it back.”
The rally, which remained peaceful, ended with a renewed commitment to political vigilance and a vow to prioritize justice and equity ahead of the 2027 elections.
