Reps’ Southeast Caucus urges Tinubu to grant Nnamdi Kanu Presidential pardon

By Christiana Ekpa

The Southeast Caucus of the House of Representatives has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to exercise his constitutional powers and grant a presidential pardon to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
The lawmakers made the call on Monday, November 24, 2025, following an emergency meeting in Abuja, where they reviewed the recent court judgment convicting Kanu and examined its wider implications for peace and stability across the Southeast.
In a statement issued after the meeting, the Caucus reaffirmed its respect for the judiciary but stressed that the matter had evolved beyond legal boundaries into a national security and humanitarian challenge that requires political intervention.
According to the lawmakers, Kanu’s continued detention has remained a major driver of tension, restiveness, and economic disruption in the region. They noted that markets have been closed, schools disrupted, and businesses crippled due to the heightened climate of fear, adding that the emotional toll on communities has become unbearable.
The Caucus argued that Section 175 of the 1999 Constitution empowers the President to offer clemency in situations where legal processes alone cannot adequately address complex national issues. They said granting Kanu a pardon would significantly de-escalate tensions, restore normalcy, and signal the government’s commitment to national unity and reconciliation.
They further stated that Nigeria has, in the past, relied on presidential mercy to mend divisions and foster peace, urging Tinubu to seize this moment to “prioritise healing over division.”
The lawmakers also expressed confidence that Kanu’s release would open the door for meaningful dialogue between the Federal Government and stakeholders across the Southeast, paving the way for long-term peace-building.
They called on residents of the region to remain calm, law-abiding, and patient as efforts continue to secure a peaceful resolution.