Elder statesman and President of the Osisioma Foundation, Dr. Chike Obidigbo, has cautioned that Nigeria risks grave instability if the health of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, continues to deteriorate without urgent intervention.

Speaking in a strongly worded statement, Obidigbo accused the Nigerian political class of maintaining a “conspiracy of silence” over Kanu’s condition. He argued that denying the IPOB leader access to quality medical care appears to be a calculated attempt to provoke the Igbo people and could trigger unrest reminiscent of the events that led to the civil war.

He faulted South East politicians for ignoring what he described as gross violations of Kanu’s rights, contrasting their inaction with how leaders in other regions unite to resolve pressing challenges. He also condemned the hypocrisy of the political elite, noting that while armed insurgents and bandits have been offered amnesty and dialogue, Kanu remains in solitary confinement for calling for a referendum on Nigeria’s political structure.

Drawing comparisons with global figures, Obidigbo recalled that Nelson Mandela was jailed for his people’s freedom, stressing that Kanu is being punished for demanding equity and justice through non-violent means.

He further warned that allowing Kanu to die in custody—similar to the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny—could plunge Nigeria into another cycle of crisis.

Obidigbo urged President Bola Tinubu to pursue a political solution to Kanu’s case, just as he did in the Rivers State conflict. He also appealed to the Department of State Services (DSS) to grant Kanu access to specialist medical care, amid fears he may have been poisoned.

“The creeping intolerance of dissent in Nigeria has silenced many Igbo politicians,” he said. “If this issue is not resolved, it will only deepen suspicion that the government seeks to destabilize the South East.”