Nigeria’s human rights activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has declared October 20, 2025, as the date for a nationwide protest march to the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja to demand the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Announcing the plan on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Thursday, Sowore described the forthcoming action as a “historic, peaceful, and lawful protest” aimed at compelling authorities to respect Kanu’s fundamental rights.
“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 stated.
He called on governors, lawmakers, traditional rulers, and religious leaders from the South-East region to join the demonstration, urging them to move beyond rhetoric.
“No more empty noise. Let @CCSoludo, @SenatorAbaribe, @alexottiofr, @PeterObi, and all others who claim to care step up and join us in person,” he added.
Sowore disclosed that he had personally reached out to Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo; Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti; Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe; and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to rally support for the cause.
“I have tried reaching out personally to Dr. Alex Otti, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, and Mr. Peter Obi (through his team). They promised to tell Mr. Obi about our plans, although he is currently travelling,” he noted.
Photo Credit: X
According to him, lawmakers from Abia State had informed him of their intention to first meet with the Attorney General of the Federation before taking further steps regarding Kanu’s prolonged detention.
Sowore emphasized that the movement is not partisan but rooted in justice and human rights.
“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 said.
Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since his arrest and repatriation to Nigeria in 2021, facing charges related to treason and the proscription of IPOB. His continued detention has sparked growing concern among human rights groups, lawmakers, and international observers who have repeatedly called for his release or a fair and transparent trial.
Sowore’s announcement is expected to reignite conversations on justice, national unity, and the balance between security enforcement and human rights in Nigeria.
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