Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has launched a renewed and high-profile campaign demanding the immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The initiative, which includes plans for a mass protest at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, has gained rapid traction amid growing national and international concern over Kanu’s prolonged detention and worsening health condition.

Sowore issued an open challenge to South-East political leaders — including governors, senators, and influential figures — urging them to go beyond rhetoric and join him in what he described as a “peaceful and historic march for justice.” He called out Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo, Abia State Governor Alex Otti, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, and Labour Party’s Peter Obi, urging them to show moral courage and stand with their people.

“The time for talk is over,” Sowore declared. “It’s time for action. I will personally lead the march to Aso Rock, and I’m calling on every governor, senator, traditional ruler, priest, and citizen who believes in justice to join me.”

The movement swiftly attracted notable allies. Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, Kanu’s lawyer, announced his readiness to march alongside Sowore, reiterating his call for Kanu’s unconditional release. In a major show of solidarity, Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, founder of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) and leader of the Biafra Independence Movement (BIM), also pledged to participate in any peaceful protest. Uwazuruike emphasized that his support went beyond Kanu’s personal case, framing it as part of the broader struggle against systemic injustice and humiliation faced by the Igbo people.

“This is not just about Nnamdi Kanu,” Uwazuruike said. “This is about Ndigbo — about fairness and equal treatment. The Nigerian government cannot continue to apply double standards in cases involving different regions.”

In preparation for the demonstration, Sowore revealed that he had reached out personally to key political figures and stakeholders. He confirmed contacting Governor Alex Otti, Governor Charles Soludo, and Peter Obi (through his team), as well as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Senator Abaribe. While Otti and Soludo reportedly did not respond, Peter Obi’s team acknowledged the message and promised to brief him. Senator Abaribe, a long-time advocate for Kanu’s release, indicated he would return Sowore’s call.

Sowore also received encouraging feedback from Abia State lawmakers. Members of the Abia State House of Assembly and National Assembly representatives from the state expressed willingness to engage in coordinated action. Hon. Obi Agwuocha, who recently raised an alarm about Kanu’s health during a session of the House of Representatives, voiced strong support for the movement. According to Sowore, the Abia legislators plan to consult federal authorities — including the Attorney General of the Federation — before joining the protest, ensuring a united and strategic approach.

Nnamdi Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 2021, following his controversial arrest and extraordinary rendition from Kenya. Although the Court of Appeal discharged and acquitted him of all charges in October 2022, citing gross violations of international law, the Federal Government appealed the decision, and the Supreme Court later granted a stay of execution, effectively extending his detention.

Concerns over Kanu’s deteriorating health have escalated in recent months. Hon. Agwuocha warned that Kanu’s condition has become life-threatening, remarking that “only a man who is alive can stand trial.”

For Sowore, the movement is not just a political campaign but a moral duty. He insists the fight is about justice, constitutional rights, and the Nigerian government’s obligation to respect court rulings.

“This is beyond politics,” Sowore emphasized. “This is about conscience, compassion, and the rule of law. When a court frees a man, and the government still keeps him behind bars, it’s no longer about law — it’s about oppression.”

As public pressure mounts and plans for the mass protest take shape, all eyes are now on Aso Rock and the South-East political elite — whether they will stand with Sowore and the growing movement, or continue to stay silent on one of the country’s most divisive human rights cases.