Why did nelson Mandela refuse to be released from prison and h ow many times did he refuse?

Nelson Mandela initially refused to be released from prison in the early 1980s because he wanted to negotiate for the rights and freedoms of all South Africans, not just his own freedom. He believed that any release should be part of a broader agreement to end apartheid and ensure equality for all. Mandela famously rejected offers for conditional release multiple times, with notable refusals occurring in 1985 and 1986. Ultimately, he was released in 1990 after 27 years of imprisonment.