I’ve Activated Strategy to Secure Nnamdi Kanu’s Release – Gov Otti

 

Governor Alex Otti has responded to the life imprisonment sentence handed down to Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPoB), by the Federal High Court Abuja on November 20, 2025. The governor revealed that he has activated a strategy, initiated during Kanu’s trial, aimed at securing his eventual freedom.

“While Mazi Nnamdi Kanu can appeal his conviction, I want to assure the public that I have activated and will continue to pursue the agreed strategy until his freedom is achieved,” Otti stated on Saturday. He added that some agreements reached with federal authorities were communicated during his visit to Kanu in DSS custody earlier this year.

Otti criticised the initial mishandling of IPOB grievances, noting that poor management at the early stage contributed to the current situation, but urged for peace and restraint. He warned politicians against exploiting Kanu’s case for petty political gains and appealed to the people of Abia and the South East to remain calm and avoid inflammatory statements.

The governor reiterated his readiness to work with well-meaning Nigerians and other stakeholders to pursue a resolution through dialogue and diplomacy. He highlighted his past efforts, including public condemnations of the 2017 military invasion of Kanu’s family home, advocating dialogue over force.

Otti stressed that alternative resolution agreements made during the trial will now proceed following the court’s judgment. He called for calm, assuring that with federal government assurances, Kanu’s release is possible. The governor concluded by reaffirming his commitment to resolving the matter peacefully and restoring stability to the South East.