Atiku Under Fire From Civil Society Group Over Nnamdi Kanu Release Call, Accused of Undermining Judicial Process

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is facing criticism from the civil society organization, the Democracy Watch Initiative (DWI), following his recent call for the unconditional release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

The DWI, in a statement signed by its Director of Strategic Communication, Dr. Tunji Bamidele, expressed concern that Atiku’s appeal could be misinterpreted as encouraging disregard for legal processes and potentially weaken public confidence in the rule of law. The group argued that Atiku’s stance appears inconsistent with his long-standing advocacy for justice and national unity, urging him to reconsider his comments in the interest of national cohesion.

The central point of the criticism revolves around the sanctity of the judicial process. Kanu is currently facing serious charges, including terrorism and treasonable felony, involving allegations of incitement to violence and the destruction of property. The DWI asserted that these are matters before the court, and the legal process must be allowed to run its full course. By calling for an unconditional release, the group warned that there is a risk of undermining judicial institutions and the efforts of those working to maintain peace and security.

The organization further stressed that justice is not a concept to be politicized, noting that public statements on sensitive, ongoing legal cases must be handled with extreme caution to avoid sending mixed signals about the law’s binding nature. The DWI called on Nigerians and political leaders alike to focus public discourse on due process and national stability rather than politicizing legal matters.