The Nnamdi Kanu pardon request has been renewed by members of the South-East caucus in the House of Representatives.
They appealed to President Bola Tinubu to grant clemency to the convicted IPOB leader to support long-term peace.
Call for Political Intervention
The lawmakers said the Nnamdi Kanu pardon request would create room for wider dialogue between the Federal Government, elected officials, and local stakeholders.
They noted that Nigeria has previously relied on presidential mercy to heal divisions during tense national moments.
According to the caucus, Section 175 of the Constitution was designed for situations where “the bare dictates of the law may sometimes prove insufficient.”
They added that a Nnamdi Kanu pardon request would signal fairness and leadership that “prioritises healing over division.”
The lawmakers said clemency would also show that dialogue remains possible, even during difficult circumstances.
They stressed that the Nnamdi Kanu pardon request should be seen as an investment in unity and long-term stability.
Rising Tension in the Region
The caucus warned that Kanu’s continued detention has sustained tension and agitation in the South-East.
They said that despite appeals for calm, the atmosphere remains strained.
They explained that a Nnamdi Kanu pardon request could ease pressure, reduce security operations, and help restore normal life.
The lawmakers highlighted closed markets, disrupted schooling, reduced business, and widespread fear across communities.
They noted that while they respect the judiciary, the situation has become a national concern with humanitarian and security consequences.
After deliberation, they reaffirmed the Nnamdi Kanu pardon request under Section 175 of the 1999 Constitution.
Court Conviction
The Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced Kanu to life imprisonment for terrorism on November 20, 2025.
Justice James Omotosho ruled that the prosecution proved the charges beyond reasonable doubt.
“From the uncontroverted evidence of the prosecution, it is clear that the defendant carried out a preparatory act of terrorism,” the judge said.
Kanu’s legal consultants have vowed to challenge the ruling at the Court of Appeal.