A coalition of federal lawmakers from Nigeria's South-East region has made a direct appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to grant presidential pardon to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the convicted leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Lawmakers Cite Security Concerns in Direct Appeal
The push for clemency follows the life imprisonment sentence handed to Kanu by the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, November 20, 2025. The court convicted him on charges related to terrorism, a verdict that has sparked significant reactions across the country.
According to reports, 42 members of the South-East caucus in the House of Representatives resolved to approach President Tinubu after a crucial meeting held on Monday, November 24, 2025, at the National Assembly complex in Abuja. The lawmakers argue that Kanu's continued incarceration is having a detrimental effect on the already fragile security situation in the South-East.
A Call for Political and Humanitarian Intervention
In a communiqué titled 'Appeal for a political and humanitarian resolution in the case of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu', the caucus expressed its respect for the judiciary while emphasizing the need for a political solution.
Honourable Idu Igariwey, the lawmaker representing the Afikpo North and South constituency of Ebonyi State, articulated the group's position. He stated that while the caucus respects the judiciary, they believe the matter now requires a political approach and urged President Tinubu to prioritize national stability above a strict legal interpretation.
The communiqué partially read: "As elected representatives, we reaffirm our total respect for the judiciary and the processes that led to the conviction. However, our responsibility also requires us to speak with clarity when a legal matter evolves into a broader national concern with serious humanitarian, economic, and security consequences."
Potential for De-escalation and National Healing
The South-East representatives made a compelling case for presidential mercy, linking it directly to peace and stability in the region. They contended that Kanu's imprisonment has intensified agitation in the South-East, leading to a cycle of security operations and civil resistance.
The lawmakers proposed that a presidential act of mercy could be a turning point. They asserted that such a move "has the potential to de-escalate tensions, restore normalcy, and reduce the cycle of security operations and civil resistance."
The appeal is grounded in Section 175 of the Nigerian Constitution, which grants the president the power of clemency. The lawmakers are asking for a "political and humanitarian intervention" under this constitutional provision.
This development occurs amidst other related events, including a visit by Kanu's lawyer, Maxwell Opara, to the Sokoto Correctional Centre on Sunday, November 23, 2025, where the IPOB leader is being held.
