The 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has shed more light on his recent meeting with former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, where they extensively discussed the continued detention of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
According to Sowore, the meeting was held in Abuja and centered on the growing calls for justice and the urgent need to secure Kanu’s release after years of incarceration. The human rights activist noted that former President Jonathan showed genuine concern over the matter and assured him that he would personally meet with President Bola Tinubu to discuss possible steps toward a peaceful resolution.
Jonathan agrees on urgent need for resolution
In a detailed post shared on his official X handle, Sowore revealed the depth of their discussion, quoting the former president as saying that Nigeria cannot continue to ignore the case of Nnamdi Kanu without addressing the broader issues surrounding peace, fairness, and national unity.
Sowore wrote: “Earlier today in Abuja, I met with former President @GEJonathan to discuss the continued incarceration of Mazi @NnamdiKanu. President Jonathan agreed that there is an urgent and compelling need to address this matter decisively and justly. I sincerely thank him for recognizing the importance of resolving Kanu’s case in the interest of peace, fairness, and national healing.”
Sowore and former President Goodluck Jonathan
The AAC flagbearer further disclosed that Jonathan’s willingness to engage directly with President Tinubu is a significant step that could pave the way for renewed dialogue and possible justice for Kanu. Sowore described the conversation as “encouraging,” emphasizing that it reignites hope for many Nigerians seeking fairness and reconciliation.
Support for Kanu’s release grows across political divides
Sowore added that Jonathan’s stance aligns with the voices of several other prominent Nigerians who have consistently advocated for Kanu’s release. Among them are former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, senior advocate and human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), and former Senator Shehu Sani.
He stressed that Kanu’s prolonged detention goes beyond politics—it symbolizes a larger issue of justice, equality, and respect for human rights in Nigeria. Sowore maintained that Kanu’s advocacy for the marginalised people of the South East should not have led to his continued imprisonment.
Sowore and Nnamdi Kanu
Sowore calls for unity among leaders
In his message, Sowore urged Nigeria’s political, traditional, and religious leaders to put aside their differences and collectively demand justice for Kanu. He specifically called on South-East leaders, including Peter Obi, Charles Soludo, Alex Otti, Francis Nwifuru, Peter Mbah, Hope Uzodinma, and Oby Ezekwesili, as well as the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, to join forces in demanding his freedom.
He explained that the issue of Kanu’s detention should not be treated as an ethnic or partisan matter, but as a question of justice and human rights, crucial for Nigeria’s peace and stability.
Sowore concluded by reaffirming his unwavering commitment to peaceful advocacy and civic engagement, stating: “Nnamdi Kanu should be set free. I will continue to peacefully mobilize for justice and freedom until this injustice is corrected. The freedom of one man represents the freedom of millions whose voices have been silenced.”
