Tinubu’s Sudden Interest in Ekweremadu Seen as Election Tactic, Mahdi Shehu Alleges.
Tinubu’s Sudden Interest in Ekweremadu Seen as Election Tactic, Mahdi Shehu Alleges.
Social critic and activist Mahdi Shehu has alleged that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent efforts to secure the release of former Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu from a UK prison are driven by political motives linked to the 2027 general elections.
In a post shared on his official X account on Tuesday, Shehu argued that Tinubu’s decision to establish a high-powered committee to engage the UK government over Ekweremadu’s incarceration is less about compassion and more a strategic move. Shehu pointed out that Tinubu suddenly woke from his diplomatic silence and remembered Ekweremadu, who has been detained since his conviction in 2023 for organ trafficking.
Shehu criticized the timing of Tinubu’s intervention, especially given Nigeria’s currently vacant ambassadorial position in the UK, which could have handled the matter more effectively through diplomatic channels. He remarked that the UK justice system is stringent, and the opportunity to resolve Ekweremadu’s case was missed long ago. The only remaining viable option, according to Shehu, is to explore a prisoner transfer agreement if such a treaty exists and has been ratified.
The activist contends that Tinubu’s move is not a genuine humanitarian effort but a calculated political strategy. “My take is that Tinubu is using this trip to show he cares and is concerned because the election is approaching,” Shehu said. He added that Ekweremadu remains the only prominent Igbo figure not aligned with Tinubu’s political train, implying that his release could help secure Igbo support ahead of the 2027 elections. Shehu further warned that other Nigerians detained abroad are unlikely to receive similar attention, as their release would hold little political value for Tinubu.
