Governor Alex Otti has reacted strongly to the life imprisonment sentence handed down to Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPoB), by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja on November 20, 2025. In a statement issued on Saturday, Otti revealed that he had already activated a strategy aimed at securing Kanu’s freedom, a plan he had initiated during the trial itself.
“While Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is free to appeal his conviction, I’m happy to inform you that I have activated and will continue to work on the already agreed strategy until his freedom is secured,” Governor Otti affirmed. He further disclosed that some agreements reached with the nation’s highest authorities had been communicated to Kanu during a visit to the Department of State Services (DSS) custody in Abuja.
Governor Otti expressed deep concern over the handling of the IPOB issue in its early stages, noting that poor management had escalated tensions over the years. He called for peace and stressed that political solutions would be leveraged to resolve the matter permanently. “The poor management of the IPOB issue at the incubation stage created the problem we have today, hence we cannot allow it to linger and create a bigger monstrous situation for us,” he said.
Addressing politicians, Otti cautioned against exploiting Kanu’s situation for political gain. He urged stakeholders to work collaboratively toward securing Kanu’s release, emphasizing the importance of diplomacy and dialogue. “May I caution politicians who have positioned themselves to play petty and dirty politics with the travails of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to jettison the idea, and rather work with us to secure his freedom,” he added.
The governor also appealed to the people of Abia State and the wider South East region to remain calm and avoid inflammatory statements that could worsen tensions. He reiterated his readiness to collaborate with other well-meaning Nigerians and stakeholders who genuinely seek a peaceful resolution. “I’m also happy to collaborate with other well-meaning Nigerians who genuinely want this problem resolved, to push for his freedom through the same diplomacy and dialogue with the federal government, which though did not create the problem, can courageously and compassionately solve it and take the credit,” Otti stated.
Reflecting on past events, Otti recalled the 2017 military invasion of Kanu’s family home in Afaraukwu Umuahia, which resulted in destruction and loss of lives. He condemned the actions at the time and emphasized the need for dialogue over force. Writing in his ThisDay column shortly after the incident, he described the military operation as excessive and called for restraint and tolerance as vital elements of leadership.
Otti confirmed that during Kanu’s trial, he engaged with authorities at the highest level on alternative strategies for resolution, beginning from December 22, 2023. While some agreements had been reached, delays in the judicial process prevented their immediate implementation. With the recent verdict, Otti expressed confidence that these alternative resolutions would now take effect.
Ending his statement, Governor Otti appealed to citizens to remain calm and avoid actions that could fuel fear, violence, or insecurity. He assured the public of his unwavering commitment to resolving the matter through wisdom, high-level dialogue, and diplomacy, with the ultimate goal of restoring genuine peace to the South East region.
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