Human rights activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has announced October 20, 2025, as the date for a peaceful protest in Abuja to demand the immediate release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
Sowore made the announcement via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Thursday, describing the demonstration as a “historic march” to the Aso Rock Villa. He emphasised that the protest would be peaceful, lawful, and focused on pressing the Federal Government to comply with existing court orders mandating 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 wrote.
The activist urged leaders and influential figures across the South-East and beyond — including governors, lawmakers, traditional rulers, and religious leaders — to participate in the protest rather than issue statements from a distance.
“No more empty noise,” Sowore declared. “Let Governor Soludo, Senator Abaribe, Alex Otti, Peter Obi, and every other person who claims to care step up and join us in person.”
Sowore disclosed that he had reached out personally to Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo; Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti; former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar; and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi. He added that Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe had promised to return his call and offer feedback.
The activist also mentioned that several members of the Abia State House of Assembly expressed support, revealing plans to first meet with the Attorney General of the Federation before returning to Abuja to take part in subsequent actions.
Sowore insisted that the protest transcends politics, describing it as a moral and constitutional call for justice.
“If we genuinely believe that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu deserves freedom, then every leader of conscience must act — now, not later,” he said.
Kanu has remained in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since his re-arrest in 2021, following his controversial extradition from Kenya. Despite multiple court rulings, including an October 2022 Court of Appeal judgment discharging and acquitting him of all charges, the Federal Government has refused to release him, drawing widespread criticism from civil society organisations and human rights advocates.
The IPOB leader faces charges of terrorism, treasonable felony, and incitement before the Federal High Court in Abuja — allegations he has consistently denied.
Sowore’s planned demonstration comes amid renewed calls from political leaders, rights groups, and international observers for the Nigerian government to respect judicial orders and uphold the rule of law in Kanu’s case.
