Nigerian activist Omoyele Sowore on Thursday challenged political leaders from the South-East to join a planned protest demanding the release of separatist leader Nnamdi Kanu, accusing them of avoiding the cause to protect their political ambitions.

In an interview with ARISE News, Sowore said Kanu’s prolonged detention was partly the result of political calculations by some South-East figures who feared that his release could harm their electoral prospects, particularly around the time President Bola Tinubu assumed office in 2023.

“Kanu’s ordeal is the result of some individuals in the South-East who decided that his release would jeopardise their political career and future,” Sowore said, recalling conversations that took place during the 2023 election period as the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) sought inroads in the region.

Sowore, a former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) and founder of the #RevolutionNow movement, announced earlier this week that he would lead a “historic” march to the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja on 20 October to demand Kanu’s unconditional release.

The demonstration, scheduled to begin at 7:00 am, has drawn support from several youth groups and public figures, including former vice-president Atiku Abubakar, who described the campaign as a defence of human rights.

However, Sowore expressed disappointment over the silence of South-East political elites. “I started reaching out to some of them about the Kanu protest, but those I contacted switched off their phones and have not responded,” he said.

He named Anambra State governor Charles Soludo, Abia State governor Alex Otti a former columnist for his Sahara Reporters platform and opposition leader Peter Obi among those who had yet to show support.

In contrast, he praised Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe and a representative from Rivers State for backing the movement, noting Abaribe’s past detention for supporting Kanu.

“A number of people have signed up, but there is no unified response from South-East political leaders or traditional rulers,” Sowore added, noting that enthusiasm remained strong among young Nigerians.

Kanu, 57, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) a group banned as a “terrorist” organisation by Nigeria’s government in 2017 has been in custody since June 2021 following his controversial extradition from Kenya. His lawyers maintain that the move was unconstitutional.

The separatist leader, known for broadcasting via London-based Radio Biafra, faces 15 charges including treasonable felony and terrorism financing.

His trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja was adjourned this week to 16 October, pending a medical report from the Nigerian Medical Association amid concerns about his health.

Sowore’s protest call has been criticised by the presidency, which described it as “irresponsible” and warned against any breach of public order. Rights groups, however, have urged authorities to allow peaceful assembly and dialogue.

Sowore, who was detained for several months in 2019 over his own protest campaign, said he remained undeterred.

“A lot of young people have signed up to this,” he told ARISE News, expressing confidence that momentum would grow despite elite hesitation.