Nnamdi Kanu Still in Jail for Refusing to Support Tinubu Like Igboho — Sowore Reveals

Former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has alleged that the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu is linked to his refusal to accept conditions reportedly presented by the Nigerian government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

According to him, those same terms were allegedly accepted by Yoruba Nation agitator Sunday Igboho.

Sowore made the claim on March 16, 2026. He drew a sharp contrast between the two separatist figures. He said Kanu’s position has kept him behind bars, while Igboho chose a different path.

“Nnamdi Kanu is in jail today because he’s different from Sunday Igboho. If Kanu were like Sunday Igboho, he would be campaigning for President Tinubu in the Southeast now. Because it’s the same terms they gave to Igboho that he accepted and Kanu rejected over the last 10 years,” Sowore said.

He also spoke about a recent visit to Aba. Sowore noted that his interaction with Kanu showed a clear difference in approach between both men.

“I don’t know what he will do tomorrow, but the Kanu I went to campaign for in Aba last week it will be heresy to compare the two of them,” he added.

Sowore did not hold back in his criticism of Igboho. He described his actions as politically motivated. He referred to it as “Amala politics” or “chop I chop,” suggesting a transactional style of engagement.

He further warned that such decisions could damage Igboho’s legacy. “But what Igboho is going to realize is that he’s going to be in the hall of infamy like the Nzeribes of this world… If he was ever relevant, Igboho just retired himself into the infamy of the people I mentioned, and his own might be worse because the world community might be coming for him very soon.”

Details of the alleged terms offered by the government were not disclosed.

Kanu has remained in detention since his re-arrest in 2021. He is facing charges bordering on terrorism and treasonable felony. His case has continued to generate debate across the country, especially in the Southeast.

Igboho, on the other hand, had earlier faced similar issues with authorities. He has recently been seen aligning with the ruling All Progressives Congress and showing support for President Tinubu.

There has been no official response from the Presidency. Kanu’s legal team has also remained silent on the latest claims. Igboho has yet to publicly react.