Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has thrown his weight behind Omoyele Sowore’s campaign demanding the immediate release of detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
Atiku’s endorsement followed Sowore’s outreach to key political figures — including Peter Obi, Abia State Governor Alex Otti, and Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo — to mobilise for a peaceful protest at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on October 20.
In a post on X, Atiku described Kanu’s continued detention as “an open sore on the nation’s conscience,” condemning the government’s disregard for court orders granting Kanu bail.
He declared full support for Sowore’s #FreeNnamdiKanuNow campaign, saying the case represents “an abuse of power and an assault on justice.”
Sowore, a human rights activist and former AAC presidential candidate, emphasised that the march is nonpartisan and aimed at defending the rule of law.
“This is not the time for hesitation. Every leader of conscience must act, now,” he said, challenging Southeast politicians and community leaders to join the peaceful protest.
Kanu’s Special Counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, also pledged to participate, urging others to join the “visible and peaceful demand for justice.”
Nnamdi Kanu has been in DSS custody since June 2021 after his controversial extradition from Kenya. Though the Court of Appeal discharged and acquitted him in 2022, a Supreme Court stay of execution allowed his continued detention pending further legal proceedings.
Despite repeated appeals from political leaders, religious groups, and international organisations, Kanu remains held in solitary confinement.
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