The South-East caucus in the House of Representatives has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to exercise his constitutional powers and grant presidential pardon to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
In a statement issued after a closed-door meeting on Monday, the lawmakers argued that Kanu’s prolonged detention has become a major driver of the unrest and public anxiety that have persisted across the region.
They said a political intervention at this stage would help calm the situation and create an atmosphere conducive to dialogue.
According to the caucus, Nigeria has historically relied on presidential clemency to resolve sensitive national conflicts, especially when legal measures alone proved inadequate for stabilising the country.
They pointed to Section 175 of the 1999 Constitution, which gives the President the authority to grant pardons and commute sentences.
The lawmakers said this provision was designed for complex situations like Kanu’s case, where legal, political, and humanitarian concerns intersect.
“A gesture of mercy from the President would send a strong message of reconciliation and inclusion.
“It would show that even during deeply challenging moments, the door to dialogue is not shut, ” they said.
They added that freeing Kanu could open a new phase of engagement involving federal authorities, regional leaders, and community groups, helping to build a lasting framework for peace in the South-East.
The caucus expressed worry that security operations in the region have increased because of recurring protests, sit-at-home orders, and other forms of civil agitation linked to Kanu’s incarceration.
They said the tension has disrupted daily life, weakened local economies, and left families and businesses under emotional and financial strain.
“Markets have stayed shut, children have remained at home, and fear has affected everyday social life.
“For many communities, this is no longer just a political matter—it is a human crisis, ” they added.
While reiterating their respect for the judicial process that led to Kanu’s conviction, the lawmakers said circumstances had evolved to the point where a political remedy was needed alongside legal considerations.
Kanu was sentenced to life imprisonment on November 20, 2025, by the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Justice James Omotosho ruled that the prosecution had established its case, citing multiple broadcasts in which Kanu was said to have issued threats that later resulted in violence across the South-East.
The court held that these actions amounted to acts of terrorism under the law.
The judge also faulted Kanu for refusing to defend himself against the allegations.
Kanu’s legal team has vowed to challenge the ruling at the Court of Appeal.
The House caucus concluded by urging President Tinubu to consider their appeal as an investment in national cohesion.
“In the interest of unity and long-term stability, we respectfully request the President to consider the constitutional option of pardon,” they said.
They insisted that such an action would not only address rising tension but would also demonstrate leadership focused on national healing.
