Sowore to Lead October 20 Protest for Nnamdi Kanu’s Release

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has announced plans to lead a protest march on October 20 to demand the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Sowore made the announcement in a post on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Thursday, describing the planned protest as a “historic” march to the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja.

“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 disclosed that he had reached out to several political figures and leaders of thought, including Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo; Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti; Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe; Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi; and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, to join the march.

According to Sowore, while some of the leaders were receptive, others had yet to respond to his messages or calls. He noted that members of the Abia State House of Assembly had indicated plans to travel to London but would later return to Abuja for further engagements on the matter.

“This is not the time for hesitation. If we genuinely believe that @MaziNnamdiKanu deserves freedom, then every leader of conscience must act—now, not later,” he said.

The planned protest comes amid renewed calls from various groups and individuals for the federal government to release Nnamdi Kanu, who has been in detention since 2021.