Omoyele Sowore, a renowned human rights advocate and former presidential hopeful representing the African Action Congress (AAC), has declared October 20 as the day for a peaceful rally in Abuja. The demonstration aims to call for the liberation of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
He also revealed that he has contacted influential Nigerians, urging them to join the campaign advocating for Kanu’s freedom.
In a message shared on his X account last Thursday, Sowore characterized the upcoming march to the Aso Rock Villa as a landmark event, emphasizing that it will be conducted peacefully and in full compliance with legal frameworks.
“Mark your calendars for the historic #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest march to Aso Rock Villa in Abuja, scheduled for October 20 at 7 am,” he announced.
Previously, Sowore, who has been outspoken about Kanu’s ongoing detention, called on governors, legislators, traditional rulers, and religious leaders from the South-East region to participate actively in the protest.
“Enough with empty rhetoric. I challenge @CCSoludo, @SenatorAbaribe, @alexottiofr, @PeterObi, and all others who claim to care to step forward and join us in person. Every governor, senator, House member, traditional ruler, priest, eze, Igbo individual, and every Nigerian who supports Kanu’s freedom must do more than just talk,” he urged.
Sowore disclosed that he personally reached out to several prominent figures, including Anambra State Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti, 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Mr. Peter Obi, and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
He noted that while Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe responded positively and offered encouragement, both Soludo and Otti did not answer his calls or reply to his messages. Obi’s team acknowledged his outreach, explaining that the former governor was currently traveling.
“I also contacted Alhaji @AtikuAbubakar through his representatives, and Senator @SenatorAbaribe promised to return my call. I spoke with Obinna Agwuocha from the House of Representatives, who was supportive and encouraging,” Sowore added.
Members of the Abia State House of Assembly have shown interest in joining the cause after their planned trip to London.
“They indicated plans to first approach the Attorney General of the Federation to file a complaint; they hadn’t anticipated a ‘placard’ protest. I told them that’s acceptable; what’s crucial is that we agree on a common date for action,” he explained.
Sowore stressed that the moment for delay has passed, insisting that “every conscientious leader must take action immediately, not later.”
“If we truly believe that @MaziNnamdiKanu deserves to be free, then every leader with integrity must act now,” he declared.
According to LEADERSHIP, Nnamdi Kanu has been held by the Department of State Services (DSS) since his re-arrest in 2021, following a contentious extradition from Kenya.
Despite several court orders mandating his release, the Federal Government has yet to comply. Kanu faces charges including terrorism, treasonable felony, and incitement at the Federal High Court in Abuja-allegations he has consistently refuted.
