2027: Igbo Youths Give Tinubu Condition for Support — Demand Kanu’s Release

Igbo youths under the banner of the All Igbo Youth Forum have issued a clear condition to President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for securing their support in the 2027 general elections: the unconditional release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

The youths made this demand during a press conference and solidarity rally held at Awka Hall, Umuahia, to celebrate Kanu’s recent legal victory in Kenya.

The gathering, which attracted over 600 youths from across the South-East, later turned into a jubilant march through the streets, echoing chants in support of Kanu.

Their action follows a ruling by a Kenyan High Court in Nairobi on June 26, which declared the abduction, detention, and extraordinary rendition of Kanu from Kenya to Nigeria in 2021 as “illegal, unconstitutional, and a gross violation of his fundamental human rights.”

The court, presided over by Justice E.C. Mwita, also awarded Kanu 10 million Kenyan shillings in damages.

Describing the court’s verdict as “historic” and a validation of Kanu’s long-standing claims, the youths urged President Tinubu to act swiftly.

“Mr. President should not be deceived by empty assurances from Igbo political leaders. We, the youths, are in charge of Igbo land — not the senators, not the governors,” said Chinedum Obilor, President General of the All Igbo Youth Forum and former Deputy Chairman of Umuahia North Local Government Area.

Obilor stressed that Tinubu’s political fate in the South-East would depend entirely on Kanu’s freedom.

“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 warned.

The youth leader cautioned that ignoring this demand could have grave political repercussions for the ruling party.

“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.”

Obilor also reminded the Federal Government that previous pleas from respected Igbo elders such as Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu and the late Chief Mbazulike Amaechi were disregarded, but this time, the youths are speaking directly — and will not be ignored.

The Forum further warned Igbo politicians to desist from exploiting Kanu’s name for political gain.

“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.”