The Deputy President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, has called on President Bola Tinubu to grant a pardon to the detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, as part of strategic measures to secure his re-election in 2027.

Speaking in an interview with Sunday PUNCH, Isiguzoro warned that Nigeria’s political environment is increasingly challenging for the President, with various interest groups reportedly aligning to undermine his second-term ambitions. He argued that a presidential pardon for Kanu could ease tensions in the South-East and weaken separatist movements ahead of the 2027 polls.

“There are influential forces working against President Tinubu across the country, including northern elites, Middle Belt leaders, business magnates, and retired political actors. He must take proactive steps to neutralize these threats,” Isiguzoro said. He suggested that the pardon could be timed around June 12 or October 1 to maximize political impact.

The Ohanaeze leader also recommended that the President reconsider the recently introduced tax law, which he said has created dissatisfaction among business leaders who are reportedly funding opposition campaigns.

Additionally, Isiguzoro emphasized the importance of fully implementing the recommendations of the 2014 National Conference, describing it as a “game changer” that could reshape Nigeria’s political landscape and reduce regional grievances. He noted that completing major infrastructure projects ahead of 2027 could further boost the ruling party’s prospects.

On another front, Isiguzoro encouraged the President to explore the creation of new states across the six geopolitical zones, describing it as a strategic move to broaden his national support base.

“2027 will not be an easy election. It will require careful strategy, decisive actions, and visible results,”he concluded.