Northern Groups Reject Planned ‘Free Kanu’ Protest, Accuse Atiku and Sowore of Political Motives
A coalition of Northern youth and civil-society groups has strongly condemned the upcoming nationwide demonstration slated for October 20, organised by activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, with the backing of former Vice-President and 2023 presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar. The protest calls for the immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who has been in detention since June 2021 and is facing terrorism and treasonable-felony charges.
At a press briefing, Northern Youth Frontiers declared Atiku’s endorsement of the rally “ethically troubling” and warned that his position undermines national unity. They accused him of disregarding the hundreds of Northerners killed in the wake of Kanu’s alleged incitement.
Meanwhile, the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) described the planned protest as “reckless,” “provocative,” and a direct assault on Nigeria’s judiciary. The group argued that Kanu’s case should be resolved through the courts, not street mobilisation.
In contrast, many Igbo leaders and figures from the South-East have thrown their weight behind the protest. They described it as more than an ethnic rally, instead characterising it as a national appeal for justice, rule of law, and the sanctity of court orders.
The northern groups, however, remain unbowed, urging youths to steer clear of the demonstration and rejecting any attempt to “ignite unrest” under the guise of rights advocacy.
As the October 20 protest date draws near, the divergent regional reactions highlight deep-seated tensions over the handling of Kanu’s case, the broader regional implications and the role of political actors in shaping what many see as a national justice question.