Sowore Accuses Peter Obi of Avoiding #FreeNnamdiKanuNow Campaign Over ‘Steal the Show’ Concerns

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has accused former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi of deliberately staying away from the ongoing #FreeNnamdiKanuNow campaign due to fears about who would take credit for leading the movement.

Speaking on Mic On, a programme hosted by journalist Seun Okinbaloye, Sowore said Obi’s decision not to participate in the protest was based on political calculation rather than principle. According to him, Obi and his supporters see the campaign as a “steal the show” situation instead of focusing on the injustice surrounding the continued detention of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

Sowore argued that genuine leaders should support any just cause regardless of who leads it. He emphasised that his advocacy for Kanu’s release is not politically motivated, rejecting claims of collaboration with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former President Goodluck Jonathan, or Peter Obi. He maintained that he has always stood for justice and democracy, stressing that campaigning for someone as controversial as Kanu offers no political advantage.

The activist explained that he had reached out to several political figures—including the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe; and members of the Abia State House of Assembly—urging them to support efforts for Kanu’s release. He also mentioned reaching out to Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo and Abia State Governor Alex Otti, both of whom he said he has known for years.

Sowore reiterated that his push for Kanu’s freedom is rooted in justice and national healing, describing the IPOB leader’s detention as unjustifiable. He criticised the government for pardoning convicted drug dealers, murderers, and corrupt politicians while refusing bail to Kanu, against whom he said there is no substantial evidence.

Condemning what he described as Nigeria’s ongoing persecution of the Igbo people, Sowore said the country “never truly ended the civil war against Biafrans.” He insisted that freeing Kanu would promote unity and reconciliation nationwide.

When asked if Obi had responded to his invitation to join the protest, Sowore said, “Peter Obi interestingly never got back to me. I found out two days ago that he had responded somehow, and I think it was a measured response. He said they shouldn’t have arrested Kanu. But Obi and his people feel like this is some kind of ‘steal the show’ situation. Anybody sensible would understand that where there’s injustice, you don’t look at who’s leading the fight—you focus on the cause.”

He also recounted his experience with political leaders from the southeast who expressed private support for Kanu’s release but avoided public participation. According to Sowore, some had even postponed meetings or travelled abroad to avoid involvement.

Sowore said his campaign aims to end what he considers a clear case of persecution, arguing that justice for Kanu would help heal old wounds and push Nigeria toward reconciliation. He criticised ethnic profiling and warned that the continued marginalisation of the southeast only deepens national division.

The activist recently announced October 20 as the date for a peaceful protest march to the Presidential Villa in Abuja to demand Kanu’s immediate and unconditional release. He has called on political leaders, governors, lawmakers, and traditional rulers from the southeast to move beyond rhetoric and join the demonstration.

The #FreeNnamdiKanuNow campaign has continued to gain momentum, drawing support from figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, MASSOB founder Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, and Kanu’s special counsel, Barrister Aloy Ejimakor. Sowore maintains that the movement is about justice, not politics, and that “anyone who believes in fairness should stand on the right side of history.”