In a significant political move, Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, held a crucial meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Tuesday, December 2, 2025. The high-level engagement is widely seen as part of ongoing efforts to secure the freedom of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
From Sokoto Prison to the Presidential Villa
The meeting with the President follows Governor Otti's recent visit to Nnamdi Kanu at the Sokoto Correctional Centre, where the IPOB leader is currently serving his sentence. That visit, which took place on a prior date, was a coordinated effort involving key legal and political figures.
Governor Otti was accompanied to Sokoto by Kanu's younger brother, Emmanuel Kanu; the Abia State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ikechukwu Uwanna; and his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma. Officials from the Sokoto State Government were also present during the prison visit, highlighting the cross-state nature of the discussions.
A Stated Priority for the Abia Administration
Since taking office, Governor Alex Otti has consistently emphasized that finding a resolution to Nnamdi Kanu's prolonged detention is a top priority for his government. After his trip to Sokoto, he reaffirmed the state's commitment to exhausting all legitimate avenues to secure Kanu's release.
Through his media aide, Otti stated, "While Kanu is free to appeal his conviction, I'm happy to inform you that I have activated, and will continue to work on the already agreed strategy until his freedom is secured." This statement underscores a proactive approach combining legal processes with political dialogue.
Leveraging Federal Channels for a Resolution
The meeting with President Tinubu is interpreted as a strategic step to advance this dialogue to the highest level of federal government. Observers note that it demonstrates Governor Otti's determination to leverage both state and national channels in pursuit of a solution.
Although specific details of the discussions between Otti and Tinubu were not made public, the engagement signals continued high-level attention on a case that has been a focal point of legal, political, and security discourse in Nigeria for years.
As the situation evolves, stakeholders are closely monitoring the interplay between state-led initiatives, federal engagement, and the ongoing judicial process. Any potential resolution is expected to require careful navigation of complex political and legal sensitivities surrounding the matter.
