By Charles Pemu 
Abuja – Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has thrown his support behind the nationwide campaign, led by activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, demanding the immediate release or due prosecution of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
Atiku, in a statement posted on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle on Thursday, sharply criticized the Federal Government’s continued detention of Kanu, which he described as an affront to the nation’s principles.
“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 wrote.
The former Vice President stated he “lend[s] my voice in full support of the campaign led by @YeleSowore for his immediate release or due prosecution,” arguing that allowing the case to “fester as yet another wound this nation refuses to heal” constitutes a failure of Nigerian patriots.
Atiku’s endorsement follows Sowore’s Tuesday announcement of a planned “peaceful, legal, and visible march to Aso Rock Villa” to press for Kanu’s freedom.
Sowore, the publisher of Sahara Reporters, has called on prominent South-East political, religious, and traditional leaders to set aside differences and join the action. He specifically challenged:
- Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State
- Governor Alex Otti of Abia State
- Former Anambra Governor Peter Obi
- Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe
In a follow-up post on Wednesday, Sowore updated the public on his consultation efforts:
- Governors Otti and Soludo: “neither took my calls nor responded to my messages.”
- Peter Obi’s Team: Acknowledged his message, noting that Obi is currently traveling.
- Senator Abaribe: Promised to return his call.
Sowore emphasized that the time for rhetoric is over, declaring, “If we genuinely believe that Kanu’s freedom is just, then every leader of conscience must act, now, not later. I will lead this peaceful march to the Aso Rock Villa.” Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since his controversial repatriation in June 2021 and is currently facing charges bordering on treasonable felony.