Presidency Blasts Atiku For Supporting Sowore’s Planned Protest Over Nnamdi Kanu’s Detention

The Presidency has strongly criticized former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for expressing support for the planned protest led by human rights activist Omoyele Sowore over the continued detention of IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

In a statement released on Thursday, Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, described Atiku’s position as “opportunistic and irresponsible,” especially coming from someone who once occupied a top position in the country.

Atiku’s Comment Draws Presidency’s Fury

Onanuga said it was disappointing that Atiku would openly endorse what he called a “mob action,” instead of respecting the rule of law. According to him, a true statesman should not encourage protests over judicial matters that are still pending in court.

“I am surprised that ex-VP Atiku Abubakar, who is always opportunistic, has supported the planned mob action. As a statesman, he should know better that matters of justice are not resolved on the streets but in the law court,” Onanuga said.

Sowore’s ‘#FreeNnamdiKanuNow’ Protest Set For October 20

Recall that Sowore, a former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), announced plans for a #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest scheduled to hold on October 20 at 7 a.m.

He described the demonstration as a “historic protest” aimed at pressuring the federal government to release Kanu, who has been in detention since 2021 over allegations of terrorism and incitement.

Sowore insisted that the continued detention of the IPOB leader has become a violation of his fundamental rights and a blot on Nigeria’s democratic image.

Presidency Defends Judicial Process

Reacting to growing calls for Kanu’s release, Onanuga maintained that the Tinubu administration remains committed to due process and the rule of law, emphasizing that the government would not bow to street pressure.

“While the wheel of justice can sometimes be grindingly slow, partly caused by Kanu’s lawyers, Nnamdi Kanu will eventually get the justice he deserves for his alleged transgressions,” he stated.

The presidential aide added that attempts to use public protests to influence ongoing judicial proceedings could undermine Nigeria’s legal system and set a dangerous precedent.

Background To The Ongoing Case

Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has been facing trial since his re-arrest in 2021. His prolonged detention has drawn condemnation from several rights groups and political figures, especially from the South-East.

While some see Kanu as a freedom fighter advocating for the self-determination of his people, others view his activities as a serious threat to national unity.

This latest development adds a new layer to the ongoing political tension surrounding his case, as opposition leaders and activists continue to demand his unconditional release.

Political Reactions Continue To Grow

Atiku’s comment has reignited political debates across social media, with many Nigerians split over his stance. Supporters argue that the former vice president is merely echoing the people’s frustration over perceived injustice, while others believe his statement was politically motivated.

Some observers say the renewed public attention on Kanu’s case could put additional pressure on the government ahead of the scheduled protest.

The Bigger Picture

As the October 20 protest date draws closer, all eyes will be on the federal government’s response and how security agencies handle the planned march.

The development also highlights the growing tension between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and opposition figures who accuse the government of double standards in handling justice-related issues.

For now, the Presidency insists it will stick to the law, while activists like Sowore vow to take the protest to the Presidential Villa in Abuja, regardless of opposition from authorities.

What Lies Ahead

With the controversy deepening, it remains to be seen whether the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest will go ahead peacefully — and whether it will influence the government’s approach to the IPOB leader’s case.

The situation has once again put Nigeria’s human rights and judicial independence under the spotlight, with both supporters and critics of the government watching closely.

FAQs

1. Why is Nnamdi Kanu still in detention?
Nnamdi Kanu remains in custody due to ongoing legal proceedings over allegations of treason, terrorism, and incitement against the Nigerian state.

2. Who is organizing the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest?
The protest is being organized by Omoyele Sowore, a human rights activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC).

3. When is the planned protest taking place?
The protest is scheduled for October 20, 2025, at 7 a.m., with Abuja’s Presidential Villa expected to be the main focus point.

4. What was the Presidency’s reaction to Atiku’s support?
Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga described Atiku’s support as “opportunistic” and said it was unworthy of a statesman.

5. Will Nnamdi Kanu be released soon?
The Presidency insists that only the courts can decide Kanu’s fate, emphasizing that due process will be followed to the end.