Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has declared his readiness to set aside political differences with former President Goodluck Jonathan and ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar to campaign for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Speaking on News Central’s Breakfast Central programme on Friday, Sowore said he has begun reaching out to influential political figures, particularly from the southeast, to join the planned protest for Kanu’s release.
According to him, Kanu’s ongoing detention is a clear case of “persecution, not prosecution.”
“We all know that one of the tenets of justice is a speedy and fair trial. What has been happening in Kanu’s case is not a trial — it’s theatrics,” Sowore said. “We can’t pretend that Nnamdi Kanu is being tried. This is not prosecution but persecution.”
The African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate emphasized that the initiative is purely humanitarian and not politically motivated.
“I made it known that I’m going to set aside my political differences with some people. This is only about the struggle for Nnamdi Kanu’s release,” he said.
Sowore confirmed that he had reached out to Atiku Abubakar through his aide, expressing surprise at the swift response. He added that he had earlier contacted several southeastern political leaders, including Peter Obi, Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State, and Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, though none had responded yet.
He also disclosed plans to contact former President Goodluck Jonathan to secure his public support for the movement.
“I don’t think anybody should see this as a political opportunity, as some are trying to present it,” Sowore cautioned.
Sowore’s renewed activism adds momentum to the growing public discourse on Kanu’s prolonged detention, which has continued to stir political and human rights debates nationwide.