The South-East Caucus in the House of Representatives has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to grant clemency to Nnamdi Kanu, the convicted leader of the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), who was last week sentenced to life imprisonment after being found guilty of terrorism.

The 42 members of the caucus resolved to make a direct appeal to the President to exercise mercy, warning that Kanu’s continued incarceration is deepening the fragile security situation in the region.

The Cacus in a communique urged President Tinubu to place national stability above the strict application of the law.

“The South-East caucus of the House of Representatives met on November 24, 2025, in Abuja, to review the recent judgment in the case of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and to assess its implications for peace, security, and stability in the South-East region and the nation at large.

“As elected representatives, we reaffirm our total respect for the judiciary and the processes that led to the conviction. However, our responsibility also requires us to speak with clarity when a legal matter evolves into a broader national concern with serious humanitarian, economic, and security consequences.

“After extensive deliberation, the caucus resolved to humbly appeal to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Tinubu, GCFR, to consider a political and humanitarian intervention, using the constitutional powers granted under Section 175 of the 1999 Constitution, to grant pardon to Mazi Kanu” the communique read.

The lawmakers argued that the continued detention of the IPOB leader has fuelled agitation across the region. They added that the region had suffered severe social and economic disruption.

They believed that an act of clemency by the President would resonate deeply across the country as a symbol of inclusiveness, fairness, and leadership that prioritises healing over division.

“It would send a clear message that dialogue is still possible, even in difficult circumstances. We respectfully urge the President to consider this request as an investment in Nigeria’s long-term peace and cohesion”, they urged.

The caucus urged residents of the South-East to remain calm and law-abiding, assuring that its engagement with the federal government would continue.