Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called for the immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). He described Kanu’s ongoing detention as a “stain on Nigeria’s belief in the rule of law.”
In a post shared on his X handle, Atiku expressed his full support for the campaign led by human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, demanding Kanu’s release. He stated, “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.”
Atiku’s endorsement comes as Sowore has urged South-East governors, lawmakers, and traditional leaders to join the planned demonstration advocating for Kanu’s release. He has reached out to several prominent Igbo leaders, including Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Abia State Governor Alex Otti, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, and Labour Party’s Peter Obi, seeking their support for the movement.
Sowore noted that he had contacted Atiku’s team, emphasizing that the former vice president’s backing would significantly bolster the campaign. He urged leaders to act promptly, stating, “This is not the time for hesitation. If we genuinely believe that @MaziNnamdiKanu deserves freedom, then every leader of conscience must act, now, not later.”
Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Services since his re-arrest in 2021, following a contentious extradition from Kenya. Despite multiple court rulings ordering his release, including a 2022 Court of Appeal judgment that acquitted him of all charges, the Federal Government has yet to comply. Kanu faces charges related to terrorism, treasonable felony, and incitement, all of which he denies.