Segun Showunmi, the Chief Promoter of the Alternative Movement, has made a direct appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to pursue a political resolution in the high-profile case of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). This call comes in the wake of Kanu's recent conviction and life sentence by a Federal High Court in Abuja.
The Conviction and Immediate Aftermath
On 1 December 2025, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja found Nnamdi Kanu guilty on seven charges related to terrorism. The judge ruled that the prosecution successfully proved that Kanu's broadcasts, which advocated for the secession of Biafra, incited violence and were linked to killings in various parts of Nigeria. Following the verdict, the Department of State Services (DSS) transferred Kanu to the Nigerian Correctional Centre located in Sokoto.
Showunmi's Plea for National Healing
Speaking at a "Guest Forum" organized by the Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists in Ogun State, Showunmi presented a detailed argument for a political settlement. He stressed that the country has moved beyond the civil war era and must avoid actions that could reignite old wounds and deepen ethnic mistrust.
"The civil war is long over, and it needs to be over," Showunmi declared. He further emphasized that there is no justification for the killings of Igbos in the South-East under any pretext. His core argument is that a political solution would serve the greater good of national unity more effectively than a purely legal approach.
Arguments for Kanu's Release
Showunmi outlined several key reasons why President Tinubu should intervene:
- De-escalation of Insecurity: He asserted that releasing Kanu would help calm tensions and reduce the insecurity plaguing the South-East region, rather than fuel further agitation.
- Undermining Violent Groups: Showunmi warned that keeping Kanu in detention only strengthens the resolve and recruitment efforts of violent groups operating in the region. "By leaving him behind bars, we are energising that audience that is just misbehaving and killing people in the South-East," he said.
- Reassuring the Igbo Community: A political settlement, according to Showunmi, would send a powerful message to the Igbo community that they are not targets of systemic injustice. It would foster a sense of inclusion and collaboration.
He directly appealed to the Federal Government, stating, "I call on the Federal Government and President Bola Tinubu that, for the benefit of this nation... we plead that we are now due for a political solution to Kanu’s case." He encouraged a collaborative effort to "shatter the glass ceiling," pointing to the presidency as a unifying goal for all Nigerians.
On the Judiciary and the Alternative Movement
While advocating for executive intervention, Showunmi acknowledged the judiciary's role. He stated that only the Court of Appeal could determine if a miscarriage of justice occurred in the trial. However, he firmly dismissed any notions of ethnic or tribal bias in the judgment delivered by Justice Omotosho.
During the forum, Showunmi also took time to clarify the nature of the Alternative Movement. He explained that it is not a political party but a civic platform designed to encourage broader participation in politics, particularly among the youth. He believes such widespread involvement is crucial for building a stronger and more resilient democracy in Nigeria.
The event was chaired by the Acting Chairman of the Correspondents Chapel, Peter Moses, who noted that the "Guest Forum" was created to enable constructive dialogue between the public, policymakers, and influential voices on critical societal issues.
