Atiku, Sowore, others Leads #FreeNnamdiKanuNow Protest
Prominent political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, are preparing to lead a mass protest to the Aso Rock Presidential Villa on October 20, demanding the immediate release of detained IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
Sources who spoke to PulseNets revealed that the protest, which is expected to draw a large crowd from across the country, will be led by Atiku Abubakar, with key backers including activist Omoyele Sowore and former Senate Minority Leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe.
Mr. Sowore told PulseNets on Wednesday that he had set aside political differences to unite with figures across party lines, particularly those from the South-East, in a movement tagged #FreeNnamdiKanuNow.
According to him, “This is not about politics; it’s about justice. The continued incarceration of Nnamdi Kanu is a gross injustice and a direct assault on Nigeria’s democracy and rule of law. I’m calling on Peter Obi, Governor Alex Otti, Governor Charles Soludo, and all Igbo political leaders to stand up and join this campaign.”
PulseNets obtained confirmation on Thursday that Atiku Abubakar himself will participate in the protest.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Atiku wrote:
“The prolonged detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is a deep wound on our national conscience. Ignoring valid court orders that granted him bail is both an abuse of power and a violation of justice. I stand firmly with Omoyele Sowore and all Nigerians of goodwill demanding either his immediate release or due prosecution. We cannot claim to uphold democracy while trampling on the rule of law.”
Further investigation by PulseNets revealed that Senator Abaribe, who previously served as surety for Mr. Kanu, has also pledged his support for the October 20 protest. Sowore reported to PulseNets on Wednesday night that Abaribe had agreed to join the movement, adding that several Abia State lawmakers had also endorsed the cause—though they preferred a “quiet solidarity” rather than marching with placards.
The #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest is scheduled to commence at 7:00 a.m. on October 20 in Abuja, with demonstrators expected to march toward the Presidential Villa.
Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has remained in detention since June 2021, following what has been widely described as an extraordinary rendition from Kenya to Nigeria. Despite multiple court rulings, including an October 2022 judgment by the Court of Appeal ordering his release, the Federal Government has consistently refused to comply, citing “national security concerns.”
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Kanu is currently facing terrorism-related charges before the Federal High Court in Abuja, although proceedings have been repeatedly stalled amid questions surrounding jurisdiction and due process.
PulseNets will continue to monitor developments leading up to the October 20 protest as public pressure mounts for the Federal Government to obey court orders and release the IPOB leader.
