Mahdi Shehu: South-East Politicians Quietly Rejoicing Over Nnamdi Kanu’s Conviction
Story: written by Myra November 21,2025
Public affairs analyst Mahdi Shehu has alleged that many political leaders from the South-East are secretly pleased with the conviction of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
In a statement shared via his official X account on Thursday, Shehu claimed that several influential figures in the region — including governors, senators, ministers, and top political appointees — quietly contributed to Kanu’s political troubles and are now relieved that someone they viewed as a rising threat has been subdued.
He argued that these leaders have long regarded Kanu as a figure capable of overshadowing or reducing their influence and popularity in the region.
According to Shehu, such political actors distanced themselves from Kanu out of “fear, greed, cowardice, and betrayal,” and are now privately celebrating the verdict.
He said many of them will sleep peacefully “because the brother-enemy has been weakened,” adding that some may even hold private thanksgiving sessions in their homes to mark what they consider a political victory.
Shehu further stated that these politicians believe they have fulfilled an unspoken obligation to President Bola Tinubu by maintaining silence as a sign of approval for Kanu’s conviction.
He criticised their growing appetite for power and warned that it will eventually lead to their downfall.
Quoting Chinua Achebe, Shehu reminded them that no leader is greater than the people they claim to represent:
“No man, however great, is greater than his people; no one ever won judgment against his people. And the death that will kill a man begins as an appetite.”
Despite the current situation, Shehu expressed confidence that Kanu will eventually regain his freedom. He compared Kanu’s case to others who previously clashed with the Nigerian state but later walked freely with government recognition or protection.
He mentioned individuals such as Gani Adams, Asari Dokubo, Tompolo, and even some former Boko Haram commanders who were later reintegrated or granted varying levels of amnesty despite their involvement in serious crimes.
Shehu concluded by noting that in a country where “drug barons, arsonists, treasury looters, murderers, thieves and treasonable felons” are often released under controversial and selective amnesty programmes, Kanu’s release is “only a matter of time.”
