Human rights activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has announced October 20 as the date for a peaceful protest demanding the immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Sowore, who made the announcement on his official X handle on Thursday, described the planned rally as a “historic march” to Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, emphasizing that it would be conducted peacefully and lawfully.
“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 wrote.
The activist called on governors, lawmakers, traditional rulers, and religious leaders from the South-East to join the demonstration, urging them to go beyond statements of concern and take concrete action.
“No more empty noise. Let @CCSoludo, @SenatorAbaribe, @alexottiofr, @PeterObi, and all others who claim to care step up and join us in person. Every governor, senator, traditional ruler, priest, and every Nigerian who believes in Kanu’s freedom should come out and do more than talk,” he said.
Sowore added that he had personally reached out to several prominent figures, including Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo; Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti; Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi; and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, seeking their support for the cause.
He revealed that while some leaders had yet to respond, others were open to dialogue and coordination. “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,” Sowore stated.
Nnamdi Kanu has remained in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since his controversial re-arrest and extradition from Kenya in 2021. Despite several court rulings — including an October 2022 Court of Appeal judgment that discharged and acquitted him — the Federal Government has yet to comply.
Kanu continues to face charges of treasonable felony, terrorism, and incitement at the Federal High Court in Abuja, all of which he has consistently denied.
