IPOB Accuses Soludo Of Double Standards Over Opposition To Kanu’s Release

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has criticised Anambra State Governor, Charles Soludo, over his condemnation of calls for the release of its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

The group’s reaction followed comments by Soludo, who faulted former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi for advocating Kanu’s freedom during a recent engagement with Nigerians in Washington DC, United States.

Speaking through his Special Adviser on Media, Ejimofor Opara, the governor argued that Obi’s demand for Kanu’s release amounted to interference in judicial processes and described it as a “major slap on the Nigerian judiciary.

“In a statement issued by its spokesman, Emma Powerful, IPOB rejected Soludo’s position, accusing the governor of abandoning views he had publicly expressed in the past regarding Kanu’s detention.

The group described Soludo’s latest comments as a contradiction of his previous stance and questioned what it called his sudden change of position on the issue.

According to IPOB, the governor had in January 2023 visited Kanu at the Department of State Services (DSS) facility in Abuja and openly called for his release.

“Governor Soludo met with Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, publicly demanded his freedom and even offered to stand as surety for him,” the statement said.

IPOB further recalled that in March 2025, Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, reportedly stated that Soludo was actively pursuing efforts aimed at securing Kanu’s release because of its potential impact on peace and stability in the South-East.

The group argued that it was therefore surprising for the governor to now criticise Peter Obi for making a similar appeal.

“Today, the same Soludo is describing Peter Obi’s call for justice as a slap on the judiciary. This is a complete reversal of the position he previously held,” IPOB said.

The separatist group also alleged that political considerations were responsible for the governor’s latest remarks, claiming his position was influenced by future political ambitions.

Soludo has yet to respond to IPOB’s latest criticism.