Ohanaeze Ndigbo has warned President Bola Tinubu against linking the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to political support from the Southeast in the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued on Sunday by its Deputy President-General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the apex Igbo sociocultural group said while it welcomed Tinubu’s openness to dialogue, Kanu’s freedom must not become a tool for political bargaining.

“We acknowledge the president’s desire to facilitate Kanu’s release. But this must not be construed as contingent upon garnering the support of the Igbo nation for Tinubu’s re-election campaign in 2027,” the statement read.

Ohanaeze insisted that Kanu’s prolonged detention should be addressed through dialogue and reconciliation, not political manipulation or courtroom theatrics.

“The Igbo people are neither lawless nor uncivilised. We are a sophisticated nation, imbued with wisdom and foresight,” it added.

The group also commended Minister of Works, David Umahi, for his role in calming tensions in the Southeast and encouraging high-level engagement between Igbo leaders and the federal government.

“We recognise Senator Umahi’s role in quelling tensions and creating room for dialogue.”

While noting that progress is being made behind closed doors, Ohanaeze cautioned against interference from what it described as “Igbo crisis merchants” individuals allegedly profiting from Kanu’s continued incarceration.

It called for a 90-day ceasefire on inflammatory rhetoric, urging restraint from all parties to allow sensitive negotiations to continue.

“The political solution lies within the president’s jurisdiction,” the statement concluded, emphasizing that Kanu’s release must not be used to bargain for votes in future elections.