Sowore Sets October 20 for Protest March to Demand Nnamdi Kanu’s Release
By DAYO ADESULU
Activist calls for mass participation, urges South-East leaders to join peaceful Abuja rally
Activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has announced October 20, 2025, as the date for a major protest march to demand the release of the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
Sowore made the announcement on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Thursday, describing the demonstration as a “historic march” to Aso Rock Villa in Abuja. According to him, the rally would be peaceful, lawful, and aimed at compelling the Federal Government to obey existing court rulings ordering Kanu’s release.
“We now have a date for the historic #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest march to the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja. It is October 20 at 7 a.m.,” Sowore posted.
Sowore Rallies Governors, Lawmakers, and Traditional Rulers
The human rights activist called on South-East governors, lawmakers, traditional rulers, and religious leaders to actively participate in the march rather than issue verbal support.
“No more empty noise. Let @CCSoludo, @SenatorAbaribe, @alexottiofr, @PeterObi, and all others who claim to care step up and join us in person,” Sowore urged.
He emphasized that all Nigerians who believe in justice and freedom should come together in solidarity with Kanu, who has remained in the Department of State Services (DSS) custody since his controversial re-arrest in 2021.
Sowore Reaches Out to Prominent Leaders
Sowore revealed that he had personally contacted several influential figures, including Anambra State Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
According to him, while some acknowledged his outreach, others had yet to respond.
“Alex Otti and Soludo neither took my calls nor responded to my messages. They promised to tell Peter Obi about our plans, although he is currently travelling,” he explained.
Sowore added that he also reached out to Abia lawmakers, who reportedly plan to visit the Attorney General of the Federation before joining any mass protest.
Nnamdi Kanu’s Long Legal Battle
Kanu was re-arrested in 2021 after being extradited from Kenya under circumstances widely condemned by international observers and rights groups. Since then, he has faced charges bordering on terrorism, treasonable felony, and incitement at the Federal High Court, Abuja.
In October 2022, the Court of Appeal discharged and acquitted Kanu, ruling that his extraordinary rendition violated international laws. However, the Federal Government has yet to release him, sparking repeated protests and calls for his freedom.
Sowore’s Message: “Act Now, Not Later”
Reiterating his commitment to peaceful civic engagement, Sowore said the upcoming protest will serve as a moral call for justice, urging “leaders of conscience” to act decisively.
“If we genuinely believe that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu deserves freedom, then every leader of conscience must act—now, not later,” he said.
The activist stressed that the October 20 march will mark a turning point in the campaign for Kanu’s release and a test of Nigeria’s commitment to the rule of law and democratic accountability.
#OmoyeleSowore #NnamdiKanu #FreeNnamdiKanu #IPOB #NigeriaProtest #HumanRights #TheCheerNews
