Former Lagos lawmaker Hon. Jude Chukwuemeka Idimogu has appealed to President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to grant a pardon to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). He said the move would restore peace in the South-East and benefit the entire nation.
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, August 9, 2025, Idimogu stressed that his plea was not about deciding who was right or wrong. Instead, he believes releasing Kanu would reduce tensions, promote unity, and strengthen the president’s goodwill ahead of the 2027 elections.
Political Solution Urged Over Legal Action
Idimogu noted that no person or group can fight the government through confrontation. Therefore, he urged President Tinubu to consider a political solution instead of relying only on the courts.
“The president has the power to pardon anyone,” Idimogu stated. “I urge Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as the father of the nation, to use his compassionate authority and grant Nnamdi Kanu clemency.”
He added that such an action would calm unrest in the South-East and strengthen national unity. In his view, it would also leave a lasting positive legacy for the president.
Security and Economy Could Benefit
Kanu, arrested in Nairobi in 2021 and brought to Nigeria, has remained in custody facing trial. According to Idimogu, his continued detention has been exploited by criminal groups to justify violence in the South-East.
He said releasing Kanu could lower insecurity, revive businesses, and restore the region’s once-thriving commercial hubs.
“Many people in the South-East are traders, and insecurity has severely harmed the local economy,” Idimogu explained. “Restoring peace will benefit both the South-East and Nigeria.”
Potential Gains for 2027
Idimogu, deputy leader of Ndigbo in the Lagos APC, argued that a pardon would also improve the ruling party’s image in the South-East. This, he believes, would boost the APC’s prospects in the 2027 general elections.
“If the president addresses this issue, the South-East will remember him with gratitude,” he said. “It would be a strong step toward lasting peace.”
He also urged South-East governors, Igbo leaders, and all well-meaning Nigerians to unite in appealing for clemency. In his view, this is in the nation’s best interest.
