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 detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
Sowore, in a post on his X handle on Thursday, described the upcoming demonstration as a “historic” march to the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja, scheduled to commence at 7 a.m.
The activist said the protest is aimed at drawing attention to what he called the continued unlawful detention of Kanu despite several court rulings ordering his release.
In preparation for the protest, Sowore revealed that he reached out to several prominent Nigerian political leaders, including Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo; Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti; former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi; and Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, urging them to join the march.
According to him, while some of the leaders were yet to respond to his messages or calls, others expressed interest or sought clarification on the planned demonstration.
“I have tried reaching out personally to Dr. Alex Otti, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, and Mr. Peter Obi (through his team). Alex Otti and Soludo neither took my calls nor responded to my messages. They promised to tell Mr. Obi about our plans, although he is currently travelling,” Sowore wrote.
He also noted that Senator Abaribe had promised to return his call, while some Abia State lawmakers said they intended to first visit the Attorney General of the Federation before joining the protest.
“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 added.
Kanu, who has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since his arrest in 2021, is facing charges of treasonable felony and other offences related to his secessionist activities.
