Abia State Governor Alex Otti yesterday met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, amid renewed political efforts to secure the release of convicted IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

Although the purpose of the visit was not officially disclosed, the meeting came just days after Otti visited Kanu at the Sokoto Correctional Centre, where the IPOB leader is serving a life sentence. He was accompanied on that trip by Kanu’s younger brother, Emmanuel; the Abia State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ikechukwu Uwanna (SAN); and his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma.

Following the Sokoto visit, Otti reaffirmed his resolve to secure Kanu’s release, saying: “While Kanu is free to appeal his conviction, I’m happy to inform you that I have activated, and will continue to work on, the already agreed strategy until his freedom is secured.”

Kanu was convicted on November 20 by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on all counts of the terrorism charges brought against him by the Federal Government. He received life imprisonment on Counts 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6; 20 years (without an option of fine) on Count 3 for membership of a proscribed terrorist group; and five years (without an option of fine) on Count 7 for unlawful importation of a radio transmitter used for Radio Biafra broadcasts.

Justice Omotosho noted that although the Terrorism Prevention Act allows the death penalty, he declined to impose it “as a Christian” and due to the growing global unpopularity of the death sentence.

Otti’s meeting with Tinubu aligns with renewed appeals from Igbo leaders, political figures, and legal experts for a political solution to Kanu’s case. Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, said a settlement remained possible despite the conviction. “It is now time to explore political solutions that had been hindered because the matter was before the court,” he stated.

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, also emphasized collective engagement among Igbo leaders, saying: “The most effective path toward resolution of this crisis is dialogue.”

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, urged unity and national intervention, appealing that “The Presidency, the Council of State and credible statesmen… should rise to the occasion for a lasting solution.”

Meanwhile, Otti’s visit coincided with President Tinubu’s closed-door meeting with service chiefs and heads of intelligence agencies at the State House. The session, which lasted over an hour, focused on strengthening strategies to combat insecurity nationwide.

After the meeting, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, said the President issued fresh directives aimed at delivering improved security outcomes. He assured Nigerians that security agencies were coordinating more effectively to ensure a peaceful yuletide season.