Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The All Igbo Youth Forum (AIYF) has again vowed to mobilise against the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections if the Federal Government fails to release the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
Addressing journalists in Umuahia, AIYF National President, Chief Chinedum Obilor, warned that Igbo youths would back any presidential aspirant willing to facilitate Kanu’s release. He argued that Kanu is a freedom fighter, not a terrorist, and urged President Bola Tinubu to act swiftly.
Obilor criticised the government’s continued detention of Kanu, especially after similar agitators like Sunday Igboho have regained freedom. He stressed that Kanu’s release is a key demand of the South-East and vital to restoring peace in the region.
“If Kanu remains in custody, the APC should forget votes from the South-East,” Obilor declared.
“We’re giving the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, two months to convince the President. If nothing happens, we’ll launch a 10-million-man march to demand his release.”
Obilor accused Igbo political elites of misleading the President and being disconnected from the grassroots.
“Our so-called leaders are not telling Tinubu the truth. Many are complicit in Kanu’s ordeal and cannot deliver votes in 2027,” he said.
He also slammed the recent board appointments by the Presidency, which he claimed excluded Igbos, calling it “provocative and discriminatory.”
AIYF warned political movements forming coalitions ahead of 2027 that they would fail without zoning the presidency to the South.
“Power must rotate. After eight years of Buhari, it’s unjust for the North to seek the presidency again,” he stated.
Obilor insisted that the President must listen to the youths rather than rely on elites “whose families are abroad and have no connection to the people.”
“We will not allow our future to be sacrificed for political convenience. If Kanu is not released, APC will lose the support of Igbo youths,” he warned.
