Former VP calls Kanu’s detention a ‘stain on Nigeria’s conscience’ as Sowore mobilises leaders for October 20 protest
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has thrown his weight behind the campaign led by human rights activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, calling for the immediate release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
Atiku’s position followed Sowore’s recent announcement of a nationwide peaceful march to the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on October 20, to demand adherence to the rule of law in Kanu’s case.
Sowore had revealed that he had personally reached out to key political figures including Atiku, Peter Obi, Governor Alex Otti of Abia, and Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra, urging them to unite in pressing for Kanu’s freedom.
> “I have tried reaching out personally to Dr. Alex Otti, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, and Mr. Peter Obi (through his team). I also reached out to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar through his aides,” Sowore stated.
He explained that while some leaders had yet to respond, others, including lawmakers from Abia State, expressed willingness to engage further on the issue.
Atiku: Kanu’s Detention A National Disgrace
Reacting through his verified X handle, Atiku described the continued detention of Kanu as “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,” the former vice president said.
Atiku added that Nigeria’s democracy would remain fragile if citizens and leaders continued to ignore injustices such as Kanu’s case.
> “We fail as patriots if we allow Kanu’s case to fester as yet another wound this nation refuses to heal,” he wrote.
He pledged full support for Sowore’s call for Kanu’s immediate release or due prosecution in line with the law.
Sowore clarified that the planned protest was not political but a moral call to action aimed at restoring confidence in the rule of law.
> “This is not the time for hesitation. If we genuinely believe that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu deserves justice, then every leader of conscience must act — now, not later,” Sowore said.
He urged leaders from the South-East and other regions to move beyond words and join the peaceful march to the Presidential Villa.
> “Every governor, senator, lawmaker, traditional ruler, priest, and citizen who believes in justice should rise. Enough of the rhetoric — let’s match words with action,” he added.
He specifically mentioned Governors Soludo and Otti, Peter Obi, and Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, challenging them to join the protest in person.
> “No more empty noise. Let those who truly care step forward and march with us,” he said.
Ejimakor, Others Declare Support
Kanu’s Special Counsel, Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, has also declared support for the march, saying he would join Sowore to “peacefully and visibly demand justice” for his client.
> “Dear Sowore, I hereby step forward to march with you to Aso Rock to peacefully and visibly demand justice for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. Who is with me? Ndigbo ahoy!” he wrote on X.
The campaign has since gained traction on social media under the hashtag #FreeNnamdiKanuNow, drawing support from rights groups and concerned Nigerians.
Nnamdi Kanu has remained in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 2021, following his controversial arrest and extradition from Kenya.
He faces charges of terrorism, treasonable felony, and incitement before the Federal High Court in Abuja — all of which he has denied.
In October 2022, the Court of Appeal discharged and acquitted Kanu, ruling that his rendition from Kenya was unlawful. However, the Federal Government appealed to the Supreme Court, which granted a stay of execution, keeping him in detention.
Despite repeated calls for his release by South-East governors, religious and traditional leaders, and international human rights groups, Kanu remains in solitary confinement at the DSS facility in Abuja.
With Atiku’s backing and Sowore’s mobilisation drive gaining momentum, the October 20 protest is expected to test the Federal Government’s resolve over the issue.
Political observers say the joint stance by both figures signals a rare show of unity across political lines and could intensify calls for Kanu’s release.
For many Nigerians, the case has become more than a regional or political matter — it now represents a litmus test for justice and constitutional integrity in Africa’s largest democracy.
PIONEER NEWS 