Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed strong support for the movement initiated by activist and presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, which seeks the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
In a message posted on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle on Thursday, Atiku condemned Kanu’s prolonged detention, describing it as “an open sore on our nation’s conscience.” He urged the Federal Government to either release the IPOB leader or ensure he is given a fair and transparent trial.
“The continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu remains an open sore on our nation’s conscience and a stain on our belief in the rule of law. Defying court orders that granted him bail is an abuse of power and an assault on justice. I, therefore, lend my voice in full support of the campaign led by @YeleSowore for his immediate release or due prosecution,” Atiku stated.
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He further stressed that the matter should not be allowed to drag on indefinitely, noting that such inaction would reflect poorly on the country’s commitment to justice. “We fail as patriots if we allow Kanu’s case to fester as yet another wound this nation refuses to heal,” he added.
Atiku’s declaration came shortly after Omoyele Sowore, the publisher of Sahara Reporters, announced a national campaign aimed at securing Kanu’s release through peaceful protest.
Sowore, while unveiling the plan, urged political, religious, and traditional figures—particularly those from the South-East—to join in what he termed a “peaceful, legal, and visible march to Aso Rock Villa.”
“I will set aside my differences with some politicians for one cause. Time for action is NOW. Let’s march to Aso Rock Villa. Every governor, senator, member of the House, traditional ruler, priest, eze, Igbo person, and every Nigerian who believes in Kanu’s freedom, come out and do more than talk. I will lead this Villa,” Sowore declared.
He went on to call out prominent leaders, including Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo, Abia State Governor Alex Otti, former Anambra Governor Peter Obi, and Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, urging them to “step up and join in person.”
In a follow-up post on Wednesday, the activist disclosed that he had personally contacted the mentioned leaders but received little response.
“Alex Otti and Soludo neither took my calls nor responded to my messages,” he revealed, adding that “Obi’s team acknowledged my message, while Abaribe promised to return my call.”
The growing call for Kanu’s release has reignited discussions about justice, human rights, and respect for court orders, as many Nigerians continue to question the government’s handling of politically charged detentions.
