Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed support for Omoyele Sowore’s campaign demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
In a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday, Sowore—publisher and former presidential candidate—challenged political figures from the South-East, including Peter Obi, Governor Charles Soludo, and Atiku himself, to move beyond rhetoric and take action by marching to Aso Rock to demand Kanu’s release.
“I challenge every politician or person of good conscience from the Southeast who says they want Nnamdi Kanu released to stop the rhetoric. Time for action is now. Let’s march to Aso Rock Villa,” Sowore said, adding that he is willing to set aside political differences for the sake of securing Kanu’s freedom.
Responding on Thursday, Atiku described Kanu’s continued detention 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,” he said.
“I, therefore, lend my voice in full support of the campaign led by Yele Sowore 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.”
Meanwhile, Sowore, in a follow-up post on Thursday, announced that the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest march to Aso Rock will take place on October 20 at 7:00 AM in Abuja.
On Wednesday, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, adjourned Kanu’s trial on terrorism-related charges to October 16, citing the Nigerian Medical Association’s (NMA) inability to complete its assessment of his health condition.
At the last hearing, the judge had directed the NMA President to constitute a panel of medical experts to examine Kanu’s health.
Kanu, who leads the IPOB—a separatist group advocating for the independence of Biafra from Nigeria—was first arrested on October 14, 2015, on an 11-count charge including terrorism, treasonable felony, managing an unlawful society, publication of defamatory materials, illegal possession of firearms, and improper importation of goods.
He was re-arrested in Kenya on June 27, 2021, and repatriated to Nigeria.
