Atiku Backs Sowore’s Campaign To Free Nnamdi Kanu

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has thrown his weight behind activist Omoyele Sowore’s campaign demanding the immediate release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

Atiku, in a post on his official X handle on Thursday, condemned Kanu’s prolonged detention despite court orders granting him bail, describing it as “an open sore on our nation’s conscience” and a grave affront to justice and the rule of law.

“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 Yele Sowore for his immediate release or due prosecution,” Atiku wrote.

The former vice president stressed that Nigeria’s democratic credibility is being tested by the government’s handling of Kanu’s case, warning that allowing it to linger indefinitely would deepen national wounds.

“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 statement followed Sowore’s announcement on Tuesday of a nationwide peaceful campaign to pressure the Federal Government to release Kanu.

The Sahara Reporters publisher said the movement would involve political, religious, and traditional leaders, particularly from the South-East, in what he described as “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 peaceful march to the Aso Rock Villa,” Sowore declared.

He specifically called on Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo, Abia State Governor Alex Otti, former Anambra Governor Peter Obi, and Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe to “step up and join in person.”

In a follow-up post on Wednesday, Sowore disclosed that he had reached out to the named leaders but received no response from some.

“Alex Otti and Soludo neither took my calls nor responded to my messages,” he said, adding that Obi’s team acknowledged his message while Abaribe promised to return his call.

Kanu, who has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 2021 following his arrest and extradition from Kenya, faces charges bordering on terrorism and treasonable felony.

His continued detention has remained a flashpoint for agitation across the South-East and among pro-democracy activists.