Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has thrown his weight behind the campaign for the immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), calling his prolonged detention “a stain on Nigeria’s commitment to the rule of law.”
In a statement posted on his X handle on Thursday, Atiku expressed full support for the campaign initiated by human rights activist and 2023 African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, who is mobilising Nigerians to demand Kanu’s release.
Atiku wrote, “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. We fail as patriots if we allow Kanu’s case to fester as yet another wound this nation refuses to heal.”
Sowore, who announced the campaign on Wednesday, urged South-East governors, lawmakers, traditional rulers, and religious leaders to join the nationwide movement. He revealed that he had reached out to several prominent Igbo figures, including Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo; Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti; Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi; and Senate Minority Leader, Enyinnaya Abaribe.
According to Sowore, the campaign seeks to unite political and civil society voices across Nigeria to pressure the Federal Government into obeying existing court orders for Kanu’s release.
“I have tried reaching out personally to Dr. @alexottiofr, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo @CCSoludo, and Mr. @PeterObi (through his team). Alex Otti and Soludo neither took my calls nor responded to my messages. They promised to tell Mr. @PeterObi about our plans, although he is currently travelling.
“I also reached out to Alhaji @Atiku through his team, while Senator @SenatorAbaribe said he would return my call. I spoke with Obinna Agwuocha of the House of Representatives. He was receptive and encouraging,” Sowore said.
Kanu, who has been in detention since June 2021 after being forcibly returned to Nigeria from Kenya, has repeatedly won court rulings ordering his release. In October 2022, the Court of Appeal discharged and acquitted him of all charges, ruling that his extraordinary rendition from Kenya violated international laws and Nigeria’s constitution.
However, despite these rulings, the Federal Government has refused to release him, insisting that he still faces charges bordering on terrorism, treasonable felony, and incitement before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Kanu and his lawyers have consistently denied all allegations, arguing that his detention is politically motivated and aimed at silencing calls for self-determination in the South-East.
Atiku’s endorsement of the campaign marks one of the strongest statements yet from a prominent national figure outside the South-East, adding significant political weight to growing calls for Kanu’s freedom.
Observers say the renewed agitation for Kanu’s release could test the Tinubu administration’s commitment to judicial independence and national reconciliation, especially as tensions continue to simmer in parts of the South-East over perceived marginalisation.
Sowore, in a follow-up post, vowed that the campaign would continue until justice is served. “This is not about tribe or politics. It is about justice, rule of law, and the soul of our country,” he wrote.
