2027 Election: Ohanaeze Urges Tinubu to Pardon Nnamdi Kanu to Ease Political Tension

A senior figure within the Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has advised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider granting a presidential pardon to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, as part of a broader political strategy ahead of the 2027 general election.

The call was made by the Deputy President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, who stated that such a move could significantly reduce political tension in the South-East and strengthen the President’s chances of securing a second term.

Speaking during an interview with Sunday PUNCH, Isiguzoro argued that Nigeria’s political climate is gradually becoming unfavourable to the current administration, warning that multiple interest blocs are quietly mobilising against Tinubu’s re-election ambition.

According to him, granting Kanu a pardon, temporarily suspending the recently introduced tax policy, and fully implementing the resolutions of the 2014 National Conference would help stabilise the country’s political atmosphere and reduce opposition pressure.

The Ohanaeze chieftain further noted that the President must urgently take steps to neutralise emerging alliances involving influential northern elites, Middle Belt stakeholders, dissatisfied business leaders, and retired military and political power brokers who are increasingly discontented with current policies.

Isiguzoro stressed that a presidential pardon for Nnamdi Kanu, especially if announced on a symbolic national date such as June 12 or October 1, would instantly lower political tension in the South-East and weaken separatist narratives ahead of the 2027 elections.

He maintained that the continued detention of the IPOB leader remains a major rallying point for opposition forces and separatist movements, adding that resolving the issue could deny critics a powerful tool for political mobilisation.

Beyond the issue of Kanu’s detention, the Ohanaeze leader urged President Tinubu to urgently review the newly introduced tax law, which he said has created widespread dissatisfaction among business leaders and private-sector stakeholders.

He warned that many influential entrepreneurs and corporate figures, feeling alienated by the tax policy, are already providing financial backing to opposition movements, describing the situation as a dangerous political front that requires immediate attention.

Isiguzoro also described the full implementation of the 2014 National Conference report as a potential turning point for Nigeria’s political structure. According to him, adopting the recommendations of the conference would address long-standing regional grievances and reposition the President as a reform-driven leader.

He added that accelerating the completion of major infrastructure projects across the country would also play a critical role in reshaping public perception ahead of the next election, noting that visible development projects remain a powerful electoral asset.

In addition, the Ohanaeze chieftain called on the President to consider initiating the creation of additional states across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, describing the move as a strategic political decision capable of expanding Tinubu’s national support base.

He concluded by warning that the 2027 general election would be highly competitive, noting that opposition parties are already exploring alliances aimed at preventing the President’s return for a second term.

According to Isiguzoro, the success of Tinubu’s re-election bid will depend largely on strategic planning, political courage, and timely decisions that address national grievances before the election cycle intensifies.