Nine gubernatorial candidates in the November 6 Anambra election have called for the release of the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.
They also urged the Federal Government to demilitarize the South-East zone in a bid to stem the heightened tension in the area.
In June, Nnamdi Kanu was arrested and extradited to Nigeria to face trial and was remanded in DSS custody after he was re-arraigned before the judge.
Kanu, is facing charges bordering on terrorism, treasonable felony, illegal possession of arms, among others, before Justice Binta Nyako of Federal High Court in Abuja.
The candidates made their position know in a statement jointly signed by Ben Etiaba, the AA candidate, Charles Soludo (APGA); Obinna Uzoh (SDP); Akachukwu Nwankpo (ADC); Onyejegbu Okwudili (APM); Ifeanyi Uba (YPP); Andy Uba (APC); Nnamdi Nnawuo (PRP) and Obiora Okonkwo of ZLP.
A copy of the statement which was made available to our correspondent, in Abuja, was titled, ‘Joint statement by candidates for the Anambra state governorship elections scheduled for November 6, 2021.’
The statement read in part;
We the candidates in the forthcoming Anambra State governorship election commit unequivocally to non-violence and the maintenance of peace throughout the duration of the election and beyond.
We urge all our supporters and other stakeholders to commit fully to these ideals and refrain from any act that may imperil the election. In order to eschew all acts that may torpedo the forthcoming election, we urge the Federal Government to release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to the South-East Council of Traditional Rulers and the Representatives of Igbo Archbishops and Bishops.
We urge the Federal Government to take urgent steps to demilitarize the South-East Zone and stem the heightened tension, skirmishes and endless bloodletting between the security agencies and our youths.
The candidates implored IPOB to cancel its sit at home order while urging Independent National Electoral Commission, the Armed Forces, other security agencies and all stakeholders to discharge their mandates in accordance with law and in a fair and just manner.
