Human rights activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has announced October 20 as the date for a mass protest in Abuja to demand the release of detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
Sowore made the announcement in a post on his X handle on Thursday, describing the planned protest as a “historic march” to the Aso Rock Villa.
He emphasized that the demonstration would be peaceful and lawful, urging Nigerians to come out in solidarity.
“We now have a date for the historic #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest march to the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja. It is October 20 at 7 am,” Sowore wrote.
The activist also called on prominent Igbo leaders, including governors, lawmakers, and traditional rulers, to join the protest. “
No more empty noise. Let @CCSoludo, @SenatorAbaribe, @alexottiofr, @PeterObi, and all others who claim to care step up and join us in person,” he said.
Sowore disclosed that he had personally reached out to key political figures, including Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Abia State Governor Alex Otti, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
He also mentioned contacting former Vice President Atiku Abubakar through his team.
While some leaders expressed interest, others reportedly failed to respond. “Alex Otti and Soludo neither took my calls nor responded to my messages,” Sowore said. “They promised to tell Mr. Peter Obi about our plans, although he is currently travelling.”
He noted that members of the Abia State House of Assembly had informed him of their plan to visit the Attorney General of the Federation before joining further actions in Abuja.
“This is not the time for hesitation. If we genuinely believe that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu deserves freedom, then every leader of conscience must act now, not later,” he added.
Kanu has been detained by the Department of State Services (DSS) since 2021 after being re-arrested and extradited from Kenya.
Despite several court rulings ordering his release, the Federal Government has refused to comply, drawing criticism from human rights groups and political leaders.
He faces charges of terrorism, treasonable felony, and incitement before the Federal High Court in Abuja. In October 2022, the Court of Appeal discharged and acquitted him of all charges, ruling that his extradition violated international laws.
Sowore’s call for mass action marks a renewed push by civil society and political figures demanding Kanu’s immediate release and respect for judicial rulings.
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