Nigerians in the Diaspora, under the umbrella of Ndi Igbo Germany (NIG), have appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to exercise compassion and grant a presidential pardon to the imprisoned leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

The appeal came after an emergency meeting of the association held in Frankfurt, Germany, on November 21, 2025, during which members expressed deep concern over the reported life sentence recently pronounced against Kanu by a Nigerian court.

In a communiqué jointly signed by Chief Benjamin Chinaka, National Coordinator, and Chinasa J. Ezeji, Secretary General, the group described the judgment as "a development capable of deepening existing ethnic divisions and aggravating Nigeria's already fragile political and security landscape."

Call for National Cohesion and Reconciliation

The statement reads in part: "Nigeria is currently facing significant security and socio-political challenges. At such a delicate time, this judgment against Mazi Nnamdi Kanu may further widen divisions among ethnic groups and undermine the fragile democratic cohesion in the nation. In this regard, we respectfully appeal to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to consider exercising his constitutional prerogative of mercy and grant a presidential pardon to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu."

The group noted that beyond rhetoric, many of Kanu's messages echo the grievances of ordinary Nigerians especially those in the South-East who feel economically sidelined, politically marginalized and insecure in the current national structure.

They lamented that most of the security concerns Kanu had repeatedly raised were still manifesting across different parts of the country, underscoring the urgency for inclusive dialogue and meaningful national reconciliation.

Fears Over Rising Tensions

Ndi Igbo Germany warned that Kanu's continued incarceration could further heighten tensions in the South-East and escalate distrust between the region and the federal government at a time when Nigeria needs unity, stability, and confidence-building.

They therefore urged President Tinubu to "take a magnanimous decision in the interest of national unity, peace and stability," stressing that freeing Kanu could become "a crucial step toward reconciliation, inclusion, and the restoration of trust in one Nigeria."

Confidence in Tinubu's Leadership: The group expressed faith in President Tinubu's leadership and commitment to sustaining Nigeria's democratic integrity.

"We remain confident that Mr. President will continue to promote justice, equity and peace while safeguarding the unity of the country," the statement added.

The passionate appeal from Ndi Igbo Germany joins a growing number of domestic and international voices urging the Tinubu administration to adopt a reconciliatory approach in addressing separatist agitations and regional discontent in the South-East. Observers believe that granting clemency to Nnamdi Kanu could present a symbolic opportunity for the government to extend an olive branch, rebuild trust and rekindle hope in the project of one indivisible Nigeria.