Expanded News Report:
Former presidential candidate and activist, Omoyele Sowore, has intensified claims surrounding the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu, asserting that the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra remains in custody due to his refusal to accept alleged political conditions offered by the Federal Government.
Speaking during an interaction with journalists in Abuja, Sowore drew a sharp contrast between Kanu and Yoruba nation agitator, Sunday Igboho, suggesting that both men were presented with similar terms but responded differently.
According to Sowore, Kanu’s continued incarceration is tied to his decision to reject what he described as a long-standing arrangement, while Igboho allegedly accepted comparable conditions. He argued that if Kanu had taken a similar path, he would likely have aligned politically with the administration of Bola Tinubu, particularly in mobilising support within the Southeast.
Sowore further revealed that his recent engagement with Kanu strengthened his conviction that the IPOB leader remains resolute in his stance, making any comparison between the two separatist figures inappropriate.
Beyond the comparison, Sowore criticised what he termed Nigeria’s entrenched “transactional politics,” describing it as a system driven by personal gain rather than ideological commitment or public interest. He characterised this style of politics as commonplace in certain regions, warning that it undermines credibility and long-term political relevance.
In a pointed warning to Igboho, Sowore suggested that continued involvement in such political dealings could tarnish his legacy. He drew parallels with controversial figures such as Arthur Nzeribe and Daniel Kanu, both of whom were known for their strong support of past military regimes but later faded from political relevance.
Sowore cautioned that Igboho risks being remembered in a similar light, adding that the consequences could be more severe given increasing global scrutiny of political actors linked to separatist movements and alleged backdoor negotiations.
The remarks come amid ongoing national debate over Kanu’s detention and the broader handling of separatist agitations in Nigeria, with calls from various quarters for political dialogue, judicial clarity, and respect for human rights.
