Aloy Ejimakor, special counsel to Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has urged President Bola Tinubu and the presidential candidates of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, to make the release of detained Igbo youths a priority ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ejimakor, in a statement posted on X on Friday, called on the political leaders to ensure the release of Igbo political detainees before seeking electoral support from the Southeast.
He argued that Igbo youths detained across Nigeria for allegedly agitating for Biafra or supporting self-determination should not be imprisoned for peacefully expressing their political opinions.
According to him, it would be immoral and politically indefensible for any government to solicit votes from the Igbo people while members of the community remain in detention.
“I hereby strongly urge President Bola Tinubu to unconditionally release the thousands of IGBO youths currently held in detention across Nigeria simply for agitating for Biafra or supporting the right to self-determination,” Ejimakor said.
He added that self-determination was a legitimate aspiration recognised under international law and should not be treated as a crime.
Ejimakor also called on Obi and Atiku to follow the example of activist Omoyele Sowore by making the release of detained youths and justice for Biafra agitators key campaign issues.
“President Tinubu must be confronted publicly and repeatedly on this matter. Many have languished for years without trial, including those held at notorious facilities such as Wawa Barracks,” he said.
The lawyer further urged Southeast leaders supporting the Tinubu administration to make the immediate and unconditional release of the detainees a non-negotiable condition for their continued support.
“Political loyalty must not come at the expense of the freedom of our young people. Enough is enough. Release them now,” he added.
2027: Ensure release of Igbo prisoners before asking for votes – Kanu’s lawyer to Tinubu, Atiku, Obi