The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has leveled serious allegations against Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo, claiming he is sidelining the release of their leader, Nnamdi Kanu, to further his personal political aspirations. According to IPOB, Soludo is angling for the Vice Presidency in 2031 on a Fulani-dominated ticket.
In a statement issued by IPOB spokesperson Emma Powerful, the group criticized Soludo for attacking Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), who recently called for Kanu’s freedom. IPOB described Soludo’s alleged VP ambition as “shameless” and expressed disappointment that the governor had reversed his earlier commitment to Kanu.
IPOB recalled that in January 2023, Soludo visited Kanu at the DSS facility in Abuja, shook his hand, and publicly demanded his release, even offering to stand as surety. The group noted that as recently as March 2025, Soludo’s Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, boasted that the governor was actively working to free Kanu to restore peace in the Southeast. Now, however, Soludo’s administration has labeled Obi’s similar call as a “slap on the judiciary.”
The statement accused Soludo of betraying the Igbo cause to curry favor with northern power brokers. It read, in part, “You visited Mazi Nnamdi Kanu when you needed Igbo votes and his endorsement to become governor. Now you have turned against him to chase crumbs from Abuja.” IPOB warned that history would judge Soludo harshly, comparing him to other Igbo leaders they consider traitors.
The group emphasized that their demand for Kanu’s release is not limited to the Igbo but includes support from Yoruba, Hausa, and Middle Belt figures, such as Prophet Ayodele. They insisted that Soludo’s actions will not derail their movement for justice and Biafran freedom.