A prominent figure within the All Progressives Congress, George Agbakahi, has underscored the political significance of addressing the detention of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, in determining President Bola Tinubu’s electoral fortunes in the South East.
Speaking during a live interview on Arise Television’s Morning Show, Agbakahi, who also leads the South East Tinubu Support Group, commended the current administration for unprecedented infrastructural interventions in the region. However, he cautioned that the sentiment surrounding Kanu’s continued incarceration remains a potent political force that could sway voter behavior in the coming elections.
The APC chieftain pointed to a series of road projects across the South East that he described as evidence of Tinubu’s commitment to regional development. According to him, these initiatives represent a clear break from years of neglect under previous governments. He cited the Enugu–Onitsha expressway, which had long been a source of frustration for commuters, as now being under active reconstruction.
He further highlighted the rehabilitation of the Enugu–Port Harcourt road, describing it as a vital economic link that is currently witnessing significant progress. Agbakahi also noted that the Aba–Ikot Ekpene road, untouched for nearly two decades, is now undergoing major upgrades under the Tinubu administration.
Another point of emphasis was the establishment of the South East Development Center Commission, a body reportedly allocated ₦150 billion to drive economic advancement in the region. The commission, according to Agbakahi, is expected to stimulate growth and address long-standing developmental disparities.
Despite these achievements, the political strategist was clear that infrastructure alone might not be enough to guarantee strong electoral backing for the president in the South East. He argued that the emotional and symbolic weight of Nnamdi Kanu’s case cannot be ignored.
Agbakahi stressed that Kanu’s detention has become more than a legal or security matter; it is now deeply woven into the political fabric of the South East. He described the IPOB leader’s situation as “a major variable” that could heavily influence voting patterns, regardless of the administration’s performance in other areas.
His remarks suggest that for many residents of the South East, the resolution of Kanu’s case could serve as a defining factor in determining whether they will extend political support to the ruling party. The APC leader expressed confidence in Tinubu’s ability to navigate the complexities surrounding the matter, portraying the president as a “father figure” with a deep understanding of political strategy and governance.
Political analysts have long pointed out that the South East represents a unique electoral landscape, where historical grievances, identity politics, and development concerns intersect. Tinubu’s 2023 electoral performance in the region lagged behind other zones, a reflection of entrenched political loyalties and longstanding mistrust of the federal government.
Agbakahi’s position reflects a growing recognition within APC circles that tangible development projects, while critical, might not be sufficient to shift entrenched political sentiments. The continued detention of Kanu, who commands a loyal base of supporters, could either solidify opposition to the ruling party or, if resolved, open new political opportunities for engagement.
The federal government has repeatedly cited legal processes and national security considerations as the reasons for Kanu’s ongoing detention. However, pressure has mounted from various quarters, including traditional rulers, political leaders, and civil society groups, urging his release as a step toward fostering peace and reconciliation in the region.
Agbakahi’s comments may signal an evolving strategy by some APC stakeholders to push for a political solution to the Kanu issue, especially as the country edges closer to the next general elections. His acknowledgment that this single factor could tilt electoral scales underscores the volatile mix of politics and identity in the South East.
As roadworks continue and economic initiatives unfold, the coming months will test whether infrastructure and development can outweigh deeply held political grievances. For President Tinubu, the challenge lies in bridging the gap between physical progress and emotional reconciliation in a region that has historically been cautious in embracing central government leadership.
The interplay between development gains and the political weight of Nnamdi Kanu’s case will likely remain a defining narrative in the South East ahead of the next election cycle. Agbakahi’s remarks serve as a reminder that, in Nigerian politics, tangible achievements on the ground must often contend with powerful symbols and the sentiments they evoke among the electorate.
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