 presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Omoyele Sowore, has criticized the ongoing trial of){kind=link}
African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Omoyele Sowore, has criticized the ongoing trial of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, describing it as a clear act of persecution rather than a legitimate legal process.
Speaking during an interview on News Central’s Breakfast Central on Friday, the human rights activist condemned the federal government’s handling of Kanu’s case, alleging that justice was being deliberately delayed.
According to Sowore, the principles of a fair and speedy trial have been disregarded, leaving Kanu’s situation in what he called “a political theatre rather than a courtroom process.”
“What we are witnessing is not a trial but persecution. There’s no fair hearing or progress being made, just a show designed to silence a movement,” Sowore asserted during the interview.
The AAC chieftain disclosed that he has begun mobilizing prominent figures across Nigeria’s political landscape to join in demanding Kanu’s release, regardless of political affiliations or past rivalries.
He revealed that he has already reached out to former President Goodluck Jonathan, ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and some governors from the South-East to join the campaign for justice.
“I’ve decided to put aside all political differences for this cause,” Sowore said. “This is not about elections or parties; it’s about standing up for human rights and the rule of law.”
Sowore explained that while he had earlier contacted several southeastern leaders, including Peter Obi, the governors of Anambra and Abia States, and Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, only Atiku had shown signs of willingness to engage in the discussion so far.
He added that plans are underway to intensify outreach efforts, including seeking Jonathan’s public stance on the matter, emphasizing that the movement is purely humanitarian and not politically motivated.
“People should not mistake this initiative for political grandstanding,” Sowore clarified. “This is a national call for justice. If one part of the country is oppressed, we all share in that injustice.”
Sowore’s latest comments have reignited national discourse over Kanu’s prolonged detention and the broader implications for Nigeria’s justice system and political inclusiveness.