By Joy Yesufu
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 march to demand the release of the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
Sowore made the announcement in a post on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Thursday, describing the planned demonstration as a “historic” and peaceful march to 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 human rights campaigner also called on governors, lawmakers, traditional rulers, and religious leaders from the South-East and beyond to participate in the march, saying that it was time for leaders of conscience to act rather than issue statements.
“No more empty noise. Let @CCSoludo, @SenatorAbaribe, @alexottiofr, @PeterObi, and all others who claim to care step up and join us in person,” he said.
Sowore noted that he had reached out to several political and community leaders, including Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo; Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti; Labour Party’s presidential candidate in 2023, Mr. Peter Obi; former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; and Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe.
According to him, some of the leaders acknowledged his message, while others were yet to respond.
He added that members of the Abia State House of Assembly had indicated plans to visit the Attorney General of the Federation before joining any public demonstration.
“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,” he added.
Nnamdi 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 several court rulings including an October 2022 judgment of the Court of Appeal that discharged and acquitted him,nthe Federal Government has yet to release him, citing ongoing legal proceedings at the Federal High Court, Abuja, where he faces charges bordering on terrorism and treasonable felony.
Kanu has repeatedly pleaded not guilty to all charges.
