Nnamdi Kanu’s family accuses President Tinubu of reneging on pre-election agreement

The family of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has voiced frustration over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s alleged failure to honour a pre-election agreement reportedly made through his son, Seyi Tinubu.

Prince Emmanuel Kanu, Kanu’s younger brother, claimed in a statement that Seyi Tinubu, with his father’s approval, met him in Abuja before the 2023 elections to strike a deal.

According to Emmanuel, the agreement stipulated that IPOB would not boycott the polls in exchange for Kanu’s release if Tinubu won the presidency.

Despite IPOB’s decision not to call for an election boycott, Emmanuel expressed disappointment that nearly two years into Tinubu’s presidency, Kanu remains in detention.

He highlighted that Justice Binta Nyako, who had been presiding over the case, recused herself months ago, and no replacement judge has been assigned.

Emmanuel described the continued detention as a breach of trust, emphasizing that the Court of Appeal had already discharged Kanu of all charges and ordered his release—a directive ignored by the previous administration.

Additionally, the Supreme Court ruled that Kanu’s bail should not have been revoked, yet the government and judiciary have failed to act.

“Before the elections, I was approached by an ex-governor who facilitated a meeting with Seyi Tinubu.

“At that meeting, Seyi assured me that his father endorsed the discussion and that the agreement would be binding.

“Based on this, IPOB refrained from interfering with the elections, adhering to its democratic principles,” Emmanuel stated.

He added that Tinubu, as a candidate, publicly reiterated his commitment to Kanu’s release during a campaign visit to Owerri.

However, Kanu’s continued detention, despite having no standing charges against him, has left the family disillusioned.

Emmanuel criticized the judiciary for stalling the case through technicalities and described Kanu’s detention as illegal under both Nigerian and international law.

He lamented the government’s failure to keep its promises, stating, “It’s a shame that those who claim to be men of honour cannot honour their word.”