Nworu Slams Southeast Politicians Over Using Kanu’s Detention For Politics

Bremen, Germany — Chinasa Nworu, a member of the Directorate of States of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has strongly criticised Nigerian politicians from the Southeast who claim they can only advocate for the release of IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, if they align with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

He described such arguments as deceptive and self-serving, accusing the politicians of using Nnamdi Kanu as a cover for jumping from one party to another for personal ambition rather than genuine advocacy for justice.

In a statement that has since gone viral on social media, Nworu pointed out lawmaker Ikenga Ugochinyere as an example of what he called a pattern of political opportunism, accusing elected officials of abandoning the cause they campaign for once they secure positions of power.

He recalled Ugochinyere’s high-profile appearances and legal commentary during Kanu’s court proceedings in Abuja, noting that many supporters were persuaded at the time that entering government was necessary for him to effectively champion Kanu’s release.

“Biafrans, do you remember when elaborate words were used in court to convince you that getting into government was the only way to defend Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and the Biafra struggle?” Nworu asked. “Since joining the House of Representatives, have you heard him speak about Kanu again?”

Nworu stated that some politicians who gravitate towards the ruling party do so not out of ideology or commitment to public service, but to secure protection and political cover for personal interests.

He further confirmed that several influential social media figures who openly align with the APC are motivated by a desire for immunity from alleged international cybercrime investigations.

“This should remind you that many now say they cannot represent Mazi Nnamdi Kanu if they are in opposition,” he said, warning supporters not to be swayed by what he termed “empty political rhetoric.”

Just hours before his latest statement, Nworu also knocked the former Abia State governor Orji Uzor Kalu, who he criticised for electorates of the state he once governed and is currently a senator of for simply criticising him.

“Orji Uzor Kalu, the game has not started, you have started going to court over cyber bullying. When you’re attacking others it’s not cyber bullying. The journey will be long before 2027.”

The post was widely interpreted as a warning to Southeast political figures who, in his view, weaponise influence while avoiding accountability.

Call for Electoral Overhaul

Beyond criticism, Nworu used the opportunity to signal a broader shift in IPOB’s approach to Nigeria’s political system, declaring that the movement is preparing to push for what he described as a “radical change in the electoral process.”

This direction aligns with another message he shared online three days earlier, where he wrote:

“A comprehensive strategy & pathway for the restoration of Biafra is in the hands of IPOB leadership, we’re heading there.”

The post suggested a calculated long-term plan rather than reactive agitation, reinforcing the idea that IPOB is positioning itself for deeper structural engagement to upturn Nigeria’s political future.

While Nworu did not provide specific details on the proposed electoral reforms, his remarks point to growing frustration among Eastern Nigerians with the current political structures and a desire for alternative methods of political engagement and accountability.

Analysts note that IPOB has long expressed distrust of Nigeria’s political class, arguing that successive governments have failed to address the grievances of the Nigerian people, particularly the highly marginalised South-East, and have not acted in good faith regarding Kanu’s continued illegal detention.

Growing Disillusionment With Politicians

Nworu’s comments reflect a wider sentiment among sections of the public who feel that politicians often leverage popular causes during campaigns, only to abandon them once in power.

In recent years, debates have intensified over the relationship between opposition politics and influence in Nigeria’s highly centralised power structure, with some lawmakers openly defecting to the ruling party, claiming the need to “deliver dividends of democracy” to their constituencies.

Critics, however, argue that such defections weaken democratic accountability and reinforce a culture where political loyalty is driven by access to power rather than policy or principle.

IPOB’s Next Moves: Strategy Beyond Politics

Alongside political warnings and reform rhetoric, Nworu has also urged Biafrans to focus on economic self-sufficiency and preparedness.

In an earlier post, he called on communities across the region to begin preparing for the farming season, stressing the importance of food security amid ongoing uncertainty.

“Biafrans, farming season is getting closer. We expect our people to start preparing for the farming season,” he wrote.

Critics say the message is a continuation years of IPOB awareness programs on the need for the region to be self sufficient, reflecting the organisation’s broader philosophy of grassroots resilience, combining political resistance with economic empowerment.

While IPOB remains primarily known for its agitation for self-determination in the Eastern region, Nworu’s recent statements point to a possible strategic positioning towards this goal through electoral reform advocacy, social mobilisation, and long-term planning.

For now, his message to supporters remains firm: trust should not be placed in politicians who present party alignment as a prerequisite for justice.

“Do not listen to those who use power as an excuse,” he said, reiterating that IPOB believes meaningful change will come not from political bargaining by corrupt individuals, as Nigeria’s quota-driven system is often accused of promoting, but from a fundamental transformation of the system itself.

As debates over Kanu’s continued illegal detention, political defections, and the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process continue across the country, Nworu’s remarks are likely to resonate strongly among Easterners and further intensify Nigeria’s already charged political discourse.

 

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