NIGERIA: Atiku Backs Sowore’s Campaign For Nnamdi Kanu’s Release, Calls Detention ‘An Open Sore On Nigeria’s Conscience

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria 

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has publicly thrown his weight behind the campaign demanding the release of detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, describing his continued incarceration as “an open sore on our nation’s conscience and a stain on our belief in the rule of law.”

Atiku, who made the remarks in a post on Thursday, condemned the Federal Government’s disobedience of multiple court orders granting bail to Kanu, calling it “an abuse of power and an assault on justice.”

“We fail as patriots if we allow Kanu’s case to fester as yet another wound this nation refuses to heal,” Atiku wrote, pledging his “full support” for activist Omoyele Sowore’s campaign for Kanu’s immediate release or lawful prosecution.

Kanu, leader of the IPOB, has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 2021 following his re-arrest and extradition from Kenya.

Despite several court rulings ordering his release, he remains detained, a situation that has drawn widespread criticism from human rights groups and political figures.

Earlier on Thursday, Omoyele Sowore, convener of the #FreeNnamdiKanu campaign, disclosed ongoing consultations with key political leaders and stakeholders to rally support for coordinated action.

In an update shared on social media, Sowore said he had reached out to prominent figures including Abia State Governor Alex Otti, Anambra Governor Charles Soludo, Labour Party leader Peter Obi, and Atiku Abubakar. He also mentioned discussions with Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe and House of Representatives member Obinna Agwuocha.

“This is not the time for hesitation. If we genuinely believe that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu deserves freedom, then every leader of conscience must act — now, not later,” Sowore stated.

He added that members of the Abia State House of Assembly were planning to visit the Attorney-General of the Federation to lodge a formal complaint before taking further steps, signaling growing political attention to the case.

The renewed advocacy by Sowore and Atiku’s endorsement have injected fresh momentum into calls for the federal government to respect judicial pronouncements and either release or prosecute Kanu in accordance with due process.NIGERIA: Atiku Backs Sowore’s Campaign For Nnamdi Kanu’s Release, Calls Detention ‘An Open Sore On Nigeria’s Conscience’