In a move that has stirred the Nigerian political landscape, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has publicly declared his support for the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest campaign spearheaded by human rights activist Omoyele Sowore and a coalition of civil rights groups. The protest, scheduled for October 20, 2025, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, aims to demand the immediate release of detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, whose continued detention has remained a national and international concern.
Atiku, who made his position known in a statement issued through his media adviser, condemned what he described as the unlawful and prolonged detention of Kanu, insisting that it contradicts Nigeria’s constitutional principles and judicial rulings. He noted that several courts had previously ordered the release of the IPOB leader, but those rulings were ignored by the federal government — a development he termed as “an affront to democracy and the rule of law.”
“The continued incarceration of Nnamdi Kanu, despite multiple court rulings ordering his release, is not only unconstitutional but a grave injustice that dents Nigeria’s democratic image before the international community,” Atiku said.
The former Vice President emphasized that while he may not agree with IPOB’s ideology, the treatment of its leader has become a symbol of selective justice in Nigeria. He stated that democracy cannot thrive in a nation where the government chooses which court rulings to obey and which to discard.
According to Atiku, true democracy rests on the equality of all citizens before the law, and as such, no individual or group should be treated as above or beneath the law. He also expressed concern over what he called the “growing culture of silence” in the face of injustice, commending Sowore and other activists for standing up for fairness and human rights.
“The issue is not about agreeing or disagreeing with IPOB’s ideology,” he added. “It is about respecting the sanctity of the law. Every Nigerian deserves fair treatment, and no one should be held indefinitely without trial.”
A National Debate Rekindled
Atiku’s endorsement has reignited national debate about Nnamdi Kanu’s detention, which has dragged on for over four years. The IPOB leader has faced multiple charges, including treasonable felony, terrorism, and incitement, stemming from his agitation for the secession of southeastern Nigeria.
Despite court orders granting him bail and directing his release, Kanu has remained in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS). His most recent court appearance in Abuja ended with another adjournment, as the presiding judge requested a medical report from the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to assess Kanu’s health condition before further proceedings.
This repeated delay has drawn criticism from rights organizations and international observers, who argue that the government’s actions undermine judicial independence and Nigeria’s global image as a democratic nation.
Civil society groups, including the Take It Back Movement, Coalition for Justice and Equality, and Citizens for Rule of Law, have since rallied behind Sowore’s call for peaceful protests across major cities in Nigeria and at the Presidential Villa.
Government’s Reaction and Security Concerns
The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Justice, maintains that Kanu’s detention is lawful, arguing that his actions and statements before his re-arrest in 2021 contributed to widespread violence in the South-East region. Officials insist that the IPOB leader must face trial for crimes allegedly committed under his leadership.
Security agencies, including the Nigerian Police and the Department of State Services, have, however, warned against any unauthorized gatherings near the Presidential Villa, citing concerns about national security and public order.
Nevertheless, organizers of the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest insist that their demonstration will be peaceful, constitutional, and focused solely on upholding the rule of law. Sowore, speaking via his X (Twitter) account, said the protest would serve as “a wake-up call for Nigerians to reject tyranny and defend democracy.”
“The time has come for Nigerians to demand accountability and justice,” Sowore stated. “If court orders can be ignored for years, then no one is truly free.”
Political Implications
Atiku’s endorsement of the campaign is seen by analysts as both a bold moral stance and a strategic political signal. As the 2027 elections approach, his intervention repositions him as a defender of democratic ideals and human rights — particularly among southern constituencies who view Kanu’s continued detention as persecution.
Political commentators believe Atiku’s statement could pressure the Tinubu administration to review Kanu’s case and reconsider a political solution to the agitation crisis in the South-East.
However, some ruling party supporters have accused Atiku of politicizing the issue, suggesting his comments are an attempt to undermine the government and win sympathy from restive regions.
Conclusion
The endorsement of the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow movement by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar marks a major turning point in the ongoing debate about justice, governance, and the rule of law in Nigeria.
Whether the protest leads to Nnamdi Kanu’s release or sparks renewed tension remains to be seen. But one thing is clear — the issue of his detention has evolved beyond a regional grievance into a national test of Nigeria’s commitment to justice, democracy, and human rights.
By Luchiinter News Blog
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