South-East Lawmakers Appeal to Tinubu to Grant Presidential Pardon to Nnamdi Kanu
Members of the South-East caucus in the House of Representatives have called on President Bola Tinubu to exercise his constitutional powers and grant a presidential pardon to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
In a statement issued on Monday following a caucus meeting, the lawmakers said Kanu’s continued incarceration had fueled tension and deepened agitation across the South-East, despite repeated appeals for calm. They noted that a presidential act of clemency could help restore peace, reduce insecurity, and foster national unity.
According to them, Nigeria has in the past relied on presidential discretion to resolve complex national issues where legal processes alone proved insufficient.
“Section 175 of the Constitution provides for Presidential pardon in situations where political solutions may better serve the nation. We believe extending clemency to Mazi Kanu would reflect fairness, inclusiveness, and a commitment to healing,” the caucus said.
The lawmakers argued that releasing Kanu could pave the way for meaningful dialogue between the Federal Government, elected officials, and community stakeholders, aimed at charting a peaceful and lasting path for the region.
They added that the prolonged detention had taken an emotional and economic toll on the South-East, leading to social disruptions such as closure of markets, reduced business activities, interrupted schooling, and widespread fear.
“Beyond its political dimensions, this issue has become a humanitarian concern. A political resolution would ease the burdens families and communities have endured for years,” they stated.
While acknowledging the judiciary’s role in Kanu’s conviction, the lawmakers emphasized their duty to address national issues that extend beyond the courtroom.
“After extensive deliberation, we humbly appeal to President Tinubu to consider a humanitarian and political intervention by granting a presidential pardon to Mazi Kanu,” they added.
Kanu was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Federal High Court in Abuja on November 20, 2025, after being found guilty of terrorism-related charges. Justice James Omotosho ruled that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, citing Kanu’s broadcasts and the resulting threats, violence, and sit-at-home orders in the South-East as acts of terrorism.
Kanu’s legal team has, however, vowed to challenge the verdict at the Court of Appeal.
The caucus maintained that pardoning Kanu would help de-escalate regional tensions, restore normalcy, and strengthen national cohesion.
