Former Senate President Adolphus Wabara has expressed his support for the planned nationwide protest slated for October 20, 2025, aimed at demanding the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
In a solidarity letter addressed to human rights activist and protest convener Omoyele Sowore, the 77-year-old elder statesman commended Nigerians who continue to advocate for justice, equity, and national reconciliation.
Although Wabara noted that he would be out of the country and unable to participate physically, he affirmed his moral support for the peaceful demonstration.
“I have been informed about the planned protest on the 20th of October calling for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. I wish to commend your efforts and those of others who continue to speak up for justice and fairness in our country,” Wabara wrote.
“Unfortunately, I am out of the country and will not be able to join you physically on that day. However, please know that I am with you in spirit and in full support of every peaceful effort aimed at securing justice and national reconciliation.”
“I wish you and all participants a peaceful and successful outing,” he added.
Wabara, who served as Senate President between 2003 and 2005, is one of the most senior political figures to openly express solidarity with the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow campaign.
Background
On October 9, Sowore announced October 20 as the date for a peaceful protest march to the Presidential Villa (Aso Rock) in Abuja, demanding Kanu’s immediate and unconditional release.
The IPOB leader has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 2021, following his arrest and extraordinary rendition from Kenya.
Sowore, while mobilizing for the protest, emphasized that the movement transcends political affiliations and called on leaders from the South-East to join in collective action rather than issuing mere statements.
“I will set aside my differences with some politicians for one cause,” Sowore said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
“I challenge every politician or person of good conscience from the South-East who says they want Nnamdi Kanu released to stop the rhetoric. Time for action is NOW. Let’s march to the Aso Rock Villa.”
He specifically tagged Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Abia State Governor Alex Otti, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, urging them to join the march.
Sowore stressed that the protest would be peaceful, lawful, and focused on justice, calling it a necessary step to end what he described as the persecution of Nnamdi Kanu.
Since Sowore’s announcement, the movement has drawn widespread support from prominent figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, MASSOB founder Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, Abia State lawmakers, and Kanu’s special counsel, Barrister Aloy Ejimakor.
