A renewed push for a political resolution to the Southeast crisis gained traction on Tuesday as 44 serving members of the House of Representatives called on President Bola Tinubu to order the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
Led by Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere under the banner of the Concerned Federal Lawmakers for National Stability and Unity, the group urged the President to exercise his constitutional powers to discontinue Kanu’s prosecution and initiate a comprehensive national dialogue to address Southeast grievances.
In a two-page letter, the lawmakers appealed to Tinubu to “as soon as practicable, direct the Attorney-General of the Federation to exercise his constitutional powers and discontinue the prosecution of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu,” stressing that a political solution offers the best path to lasting peace.
The letter noted that Kanu’s continued detention has exacerbated security tensions in the Southeast, which have persisted since 2015 and worsened sharply after 2021.
It cited domestic court rulings and international tribunal pronouncements favouring Kanu’s release, urging the government to adopt reconciliation over punitive measures.
Dated October 13, 2025, the letter—signed by lawmakers from both northern and southern blocs—highlighted that previous administrations have engaged with agitating groups nationwide.
It argued that a similar inclusive dialogue in the Southeast is both logical and fair, noting widespread public support for Kanu’s release.
Signatories include Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, Hon. Obi Aguocha, Hon. Murphy Osaro, Hon. Peter Akpanke, Hon. Mudashiru Lukman, Hon. Paul Nnamechi, Hon. Barr. Sunday Cyriacus, Hon. Obed Shehu, Hon. Engr. Dominic, Hon. Chief Ugwu Emmanuel, Hon. Daniel Asama Ago, Hon. Chike John Okafor, Hon. Adam Ogene Ogbaru, Hon. Emeka Martins Chinedu, Hon. Chimaobi Sam, Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, Hon. Donatus Matthew, Hon. Ibe Osonwa, Barr. Okey-Joe Onuakalusi, Hon. Thaddeus Atta, Hon. Udema H. Okonkwo, Hon. Cyril Godwin, Hon. Princess Chinwe Nnabuike, Hon. Kana Nkemkama, Hon. Peter Aniekwe, Hon. Gwachem Maureen, Hon. Onwunka, Hon. Anayo Onwuegbu, Hon. Nwobosi Joseph, Hon. Amobi Godwin, Hon. Blessing Amadi, Hon. Anthony Adebayo Adepoju, Hon. Dr. Joshua Audu Gana, Hon. Chris Nkwonta, Hon. Emeka Idu, Hon. Peter Ifeanyi Uzokwe, Hon. Matthew Nwogu, Hon. Tochukwu Okere, Hon. Benedict Etanabene, Hon. Godwin Offiono, Hon. Ngozi Okolie, and Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi.
The lawmakers stressed that national reconciliation, healing, and restoration of confidence in state institutions require pairing Kanu’s release with an all-inclusive roundtable involving political, traditional, religious, and youth leaders from the Southeast to forge a sustainable political settlement.
Part of the letter reads: “We, the within-named federal lawmakers, hereby respectfully and earnestly request our dear President… to direct the Attorney-General of the Federation to discontinue the prosecution of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu; and to, pursuant to the discontinuance of the prosecution, initiate a constructive dialogue aimed at seeking a just political solution to the matter.”
The lawmakers expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s commitment to national unity, thanking him in advance for his expected “prompt consideration” and assuring continued support for efforts to deepen peace across the country.
Kanu faces a seven-count amended charge of treason and terrorism by the Federal Government. He has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 27, 2021, following his re-arrest in Kenya on June 19, 2021.
The Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, has scheduled judgment in Kanu’s terrorism trial for November 20, 2025.
