By Silas Mordi
Former Nigerian vice president, Atiku Abubakar recently announced his support for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the separatist group, Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who was arrested on terrorism charges in 2021. He called Kanu’s continued imprisonment an “abuse of power” and an attack on the rule of law.
Atiku claims his position is based on principle, but this is questionable. Kanu has a clear record of inciting violence against Nigeria and other ethnic groups, People blame his infamous speeches for the violence that has engulfed Nigeria’s South-East.
There is evidence from court that includes videos and audio recordings, which show Kanu clearly telling his supporters to attack security forces. He called on them to burn government buildings and even target individuals from other ethnic groups.
He gave a broadcast in December 2020 where he announced the formation of the Eastern Security Network (ESN). He has also called on his followers to manufacture weapons and decapitate police officers. A different recording from the 2020 EndSARS protests captured him directing his followers to trap and kill soldiers. He also threatened to set fire to Lagos. These words were clearly meant to stoke chaos.
Atiku supports Kanu’s release but ignores the history of incitement to violence. This makes his reasons seem suspicious. Nigeria still confronts ethnic conflicts. Kanu’s actions have worsened these divisions.
In the South-East, communities are still suffering from violence linked to IPOB. Atiku is an experienced politician who has run for president four times. It is disturbing that he ignores these facts in his new stance.
His support appears to be a political strategy for the 2027 elections, not a real push for justice. His strategy is obvious. His recent alliance with Peter Obi suggests his statement is aimed at winning votes. This is because the South-East is a major electoral battleground for him.
His call for “immediate release or due prosecution” rings hollow when the latter option would likely see Kanu convicted based on the mountain of evidence against him. Many Nigerians have rightly pointed out the insensitivity of this stance to the victims of IPOB’s brutality, families torn apart by killings and communities destroyed by violence. Atiku’s history as a political operator reveals the likelihood that this is less about principle and more about positioning.
He navigated ethnic conflicts in his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), during his last two presidential runs. Now, his alliance with Obi has seen him bet everything on winning the South-East, even if it means ignoring Kanu’s dangerous past. Atiku’s endorsement risks emboldening IPOB’s agenda, which threatens Nigeria’s fragile unity.
He would insist on a fair trial based on evidence, If he was committed to justice. The fact that he ignores Kanu’s dangerous rhetoric makes his approach a strange and cynical strategy to win votes. Nigerians deserve better than to have their peace threatened for political ambition.
