How Nnamdi Kanu’s continued detention may negatively affect 2023 election
As Nigeria draws closer to the 2023 general elections, the continued incarceration of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, may affect the polls.
Kanu’s continued incarceration may lead to issues that may affect the turnout of voters in the Southeast.
Recall that Kanu has been in detention since June 2021, when he was arrested in Kenya and subjected to extraordinary rendition.
Upon return to Nigeria, he was detained at the Department of State Services, DSS, facility in Abuja and arraigned for charges bordering on terrorism.
But, last week, an Appeal Court in Abuja discharged and acquitted the IPOB leader of the terrorism charges.
Despite the ruling, the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, had hinted that the IPOB leader would remain in detention.
Malami explained that Kanu was only discharged and not acquitted, adding that fresh charges would be brought against the IPOB.
Meanwhile, IPOB had previously threatened to ensure elections don’t hold in the Southeast if Kanu is not released and Biafra actualized.
The group later soft pedaled, stressing that it has nothing to do with the 2023 general election.
Expressing worry over his continued detention, the Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, lamented that youths in the Southeast may revolt against the conduct of elections in 2023 in the Southeast.