South-East Governors Still Working Behind the Scenes to Secure Nnamdi Kanu’s Release – Otti

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has assured Nigerians that governors of the five South-East states have not abandoned efforts to secure the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

Otti disclosed this during the October edition of his monthly media interaction, Governor Alex Otti Speaks to Abians, held on Friday evening, October 30, 2026, in Umuahia.

The governor explained that discussions were continuing with relevant federal authorities but maintained that the details of the engagements could not be disclosed publicly.

His statement comes amid continued interest in Kanu’s legal situation and questions about the role South-East political leaders are playing in seeking a resolution.

South-East Governors Have Not Abandoned Kanu – Otti

Responding to questions about Kanu’s continued imprisonment, Otti insisted that the governors remained committed to efforts aimed at securing his freedom.

He explained that the process involved consultations with relevant authorities at the federal level.

According to the governor, making every detail of the discussions public would not be appropriate, given the nature of the engagements.

Although Otti did not identify the federal officials involved or provide a timetable for a possible breakthrough, his comments were intended to reassure those who believe the political leadership of the region should do more about Kanu’s situation.

The governor did not announce any agreement for Kanu’s release.

He also did not indicate that the Federal Government had approved a specific proposal.

His remarks therefore confirm the continuation of political engagements rather than an imminent change in Kanu’s legal status.

Kanu’s Conviction Remains a Major Issue

Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of IPOB, is serving a life sentence following his conviction on terrorism-related charges by the Federal High Court in Abuja.

His imprisonment remains a subject of public debate, particularly in the South-East, where several political and community leaders have called for a resolution.

The matter involves both judicial proceedings and political discussions about how to address tensions associated with separatist agitation in the region.

Any change to Kanu’s legal status would require action through an applicable legal or constitutional process.

While Otti has confirmed that governors are holding discussions with federal authorities, those discussions do not themselves overturn a court judgment or guarantee his release.

This distinction remains important as political leaders continue to address the matter publicly.

Governors Previously Agreed to Engage Tinubu

The latest assurance follows earlier commitments by South-East governors to seek federal intervention.

In July 2024, the South-East Governors’ Forum met in Enugu and resolved to engage President Bola Tinubu’s administration over Kanu’s release.

The meeting brought together governors from the region and included discussions on security, economic integration and other issues affecting the South-East.

At the time, the forum publicly stated its intention to interface with the Federal Government concerning Kanu.

Otti subsequently reiterated in September 2025 that the governors were working together and that some aspects of their engagements would not be made public.

The governor also disclosed in November 2025 that he had been pursuing dialogue with federal authorities and other stakeholders.

His October 2026 statement is therefore a continuation of a position he has expressed on previous occasions, rather than the announcement of a newly concluded arrangement.

Otti Gives Update on Abia Road Projects

Beyond the discussion about Kanu, the governor used the media interaction to review his administration’s performance since assuming office in 2023.

He said road reconstruction and rehabilitation had been prioritised because of their importance to business activities, transportation and internally generated revenue.

According to Otti, several roads in Aba and Umuahia had been neglected for years, affecting commercial activities and the movement of people and goods.

He argued that rehabilitating critical road infrastructure would encourage investment, support employment and improve economic activity.

The governor also maintained that his administration had recorded improvements in the state’s revenue position following its infrastructure interventions.

These assessments were presented by Otti as part of his government’s performance report.

Governor Speaks on Abia Debt Profile

During the same interaction, Otti disclosed that Abia State’s debt profile had declined from ₦147.2 billion in the second quarter of 2023 to ₦48.6 billion in the second quarter of 2026.

The figures represent a reported reduction of ₦98.6 billion.

He maintained that his administration had not undertaken direct borrowing and explained that increases in some foreign debt obligations reflected disbursements from previously approved development facilities.

The governor said future borrowing would be considered only for projects expected to generate economic value.

These figures and explanations were provided by the state government and would require comparison with official debt records for an independent assessment.

Abia Announces Ebola Precautionary Measures

Otti also addressed concerns about Ebola following the recent confirmation of an imported case in Nigeria.

He said no Ebola case had been recorded in Abia State but confirmed that precautionary measures had been introduced.

According to the governor, the state designated an isolation facility at the Modern Child Hospital as part of its preparedness arrangements.

He urged residents to remain calm while observing appropriate public health precautions.

The governor’s comments were intended to reassure residents that the state was preparing for possible public health risks despite having no reported case.

Isi-Gate Traders to Be Relocated Gradually

Another issue discussed during the media chat was the planned relocation of street traders operating around the Isi-Gate area of Umuahia.

Otti said the exercise would be carried out gradually, explaining that affected traders should be provided with alternatives before being displaced.

He argued that relocating people without considering how they earn their livelihoods could create additional social and economic problems.

The governor maintained that the administration would seek an approach that balances urban planning with the needs of traders and their families.

He also directed that a ₦1 billion personal gift announced for teachers during the 2026 World Teachers’ Day celebration be distributed among all teachers in the state, irrespective of rank or position.

No Date Announced for Kanu’s Release

Despite the wider updates on governance, Otti’s comments about Nnamdi Kanu remain a significant part of the briefing.

The governor’s assurance indicates that political consultations are continuing, but it does not establish when the process may conclude or what decision federal authorities might take.

The South-East Governors’ Forum has previously identified Kanu’s release as an issue requiring engagement with the Federal Government.

For now, Otti maintains that the governors remain involved in efforts to secure a resolution.

Further developments will depend on the outcome of those discussions and the applicable legal processes.

Sources: Independent Newspaper Nigeria, October 31, 2026; Vanguard, October 31, 2026; previous statements by the South-East Governors’ Forum and Governor Alex Otti.