Mixed Reactions Trail Atiku, Sowore’s Push For Kanu’s Freedom

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has declared support for the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, aligning himself with activist Omoyele Sowore’s recent call for action.

In a statement on his X handle, Atiku described Kanu’s prolonged detention as “an open sore on our nation’s conscience and a stain on our belief in the rule of law.”

He added: “Defying court orders that granted him bail is an abuse of power and an assault on justice. I therefore lend my voice in full support of the campaign led by @YeleSowore 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.”

Atiku’s statement came a day after Sowore, convener of the #RevolutionNow movement, urged governors, lawmakers, traditional rulers and citizens to join him in a peaceful march to Aso Rock, insisting that only action and visibility could secure Kanu’s release.

But Atiku’s intervention has stirred fierce arguments online.

While some hailed the move, others accused him of opportunism.

@blinkblack01 wrote: “His Excellency Atiku Abubakar didn’t front this, it started with @YeleSowore. Now the former vice president came out in support and most of you are talking rubbish.”

@dloudCollins countered: “Thank you sir. The Federal Government of Nigeria has shown open bias against the South-East for long and this is just a proof of it.”

@Uggo remarked: “Thank you, sir, for recognizing his plight. His oppressors may continue to use his detention as a means to flex their lean muscles against the Igbos.”

Others dismissed Atiku’s post as political strategy.

@Jose42490Bello argued: “Sir, you come late — pure political strategy dressed up as activism. Suddenly showing concern after years of silence isn’t about justice; it’s about courting sympathy from the South-East ahead of 2027.”

@kaylawal2 added: “It’s another election period. Everything makes sense as long as it serves your political desperation. Tuale sir.”

@alat1881 laughed: “Baba also jumped on it for your political ambition, not because you feel concerned.”

Critics also questioned Kanu’s record and the security implications of freeing him.

@Archimeokey posted: “This is how much you love the lives of our men and women in uniform, including citizens that IPOB has killed. Shame on you sir.”

@A__yabo wrote: “You’re now desperate for power and will say anything to please the mob, even defending a man whose actions cost young lives.”

@musa_kiliya argued: “Imagine if Bello Turji were arrested and then a former president demanded his release. North remembers.”

@Sirwambai stressed: “With respect, Kanu’s detention is justified on national security grounds. No one is above the law.”

Yet many Nigerians highlighted the contradictions in Kanu’s case, pointing to court rulings in his favour.

@enjelmartins observed: “The court already granted him bail so why is he still being held against the court order?”

@DomichyOfficial insisted: “The court discharged and acquitted him of charges. So what due prosecution again?”

@ese2bam added: “If bandits in the North can be accepted as repentant and given support, he too deserves to be freed.”

Others saw in Atiku’s move echoes of past controversies.

@johnson_gbemi asked: “But when Nigerians needed your voice for Deborah, you deleted the tweet.”

@abdullahayofel added: “I hope you don’t delete this one too like you did the Deborah post.”

@TobinsWisdom mocked: “Vote of confidence for Kanu.”

The reactions reflect a nation still divided on Kanu’s detention — for some, a violation of the rule of law; for others, a test of national security. Atiku’s endorsement of Sowore’s campaign has amplified the debate, ensuring that the controversy remains a potent flashpoint in Nigeria’s political landscape.

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