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 nationwide protest to demand the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Sowore made the announcement via his official X handle on Thursday, describing the planned demonstration as a “historic” and peaceful march to the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja. He said the protest would be held lawfully to press for Kanu’s immediate freedom, calling on Nigerians from all walks of life to participate.
“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, who has long been an outspoken critic of government repression and unlawful detentions, said the protest would mark a renewed push for justice and accountability in Kanu’s case.
Sowore also called on governors, lawmakers, traditional rulers, and religious leaders from the South-East region to join the march, insisting that moral support alone was not enough.
“No more empty noise. Let @CCSoludo, @SenatorAbaribe, @alexottiofr, @PeterObi, and all others who claim to care step up and join us in person. Every governor, senator, member of the House, traditional ruler, priest, eze, Igbo person, and every Nigerian who believes in Kanu’s freedom should come out and do more than talk,” he wrote.
He added that he had personally reached out to prominent Igbo leaders, including Anambra State Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, urging them to actively participate in the protest.
Sowore’s call comes amid growing concerns over Kanu’s prolonged detention despite multiple court rulings ordering his release, and amid renewed debates over political dialogue and regional justice in Nigeria.