Presidency Slams Sowore Over Planned Protest for Nnamdi Kanu’s Release

The Presidency has condemned activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore over his plan to lead a protest march to the Presidential Villa, Abuja, demanding the release of detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu.

In a statement Thursday, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described Sowore as “an anarchist masquerading as a rights activist,” accusing him of attempting to incite disorder under the pretext of a peaceful protest.

Sowore, who was the African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate in the 2023 elections and publisher of Sahara Reporters, had announced that the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest would take place on October 20 at 7 a.m., calling it a “historic” march for justice.

Responding via his verified X handle, @aonanuga1956, Onanuga said the planned demonstration was a calculated move to undermine the rule of law, stressing that Kanu’s ongoing treason trial must be allowed to proceed in court.

“You are nothing more than an anarchist masquerading as a rights activist,” Onanuga wrote. “You know Nnamdi Kanu is facing trial for treason, yet you want to cause a breakdown of law and order by mobilizing for a protest. Is this your idea of revolution — where the rule of law gives way to the law of the jungle?”

Onanuga also criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for supporting the planned protest, calling his position “opportunistic and irresponsible for a statesman.”

“I am surprised that ex-VP Atiku Abubakar has supported the planned mob action. As a statesman, he should know that justice is not achieved on the streets but in the courts,” he said.

He reaffirmed that while Kanu’s trial may appear slow, the government remains committed to due process and judicial fairness.

“Though the wheel of justice may turn slowly, partly due to delays by Kanu’s lawyers, he will ultimately receive the justice he deserves for his alleged offenses,” Onanuga said.