Sowore Finally Explains Why the Protest Date Matches a Historic Day

Human rights activist and political commentator, Omoyele Sowore, has clarified that the upcoming protest for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), was not intentionally scheduled to coincide with the #EndSARS memorial day.

Speaking during an interview on Voice of the People (VOP) TV, Sowore noted that the date—October 20—was chosen purely by coincidence, as it happens to fall on a Monday, which organizers considered a strategic day for mobilization.

“We were all looking for a Monday because that’s the day everybody is fresh, energetic, and it’s the most important official day of the week,” Sowore explained. “It just happened that the date turned out to be the #EndSARS memorial. Maybe there’s something to it,” he added with a laugh.

VOP presenter Moses Uyi Osaretin, who anchored the discussion, had pointed out the coincidence, prompting Sowore to further clarify that the choice was not symbolic but rooted in practicality.

“Before people start saying, ‘Oh, why did you choose the #EndSARS day as the date of protest for Nnamdi Kanu,’ the truth is there’s no day in the human calendar when you can’t fight for justice,” Sowore emphasized. “Whether it’s for Nnamdi Kanu or #EndSARS remembrance, it’s all about justice.”

Sowore also noted that the day marks nearly five years since the #EndSARS protests, a movement that reshaped civic activism in Nigeria. He said the coincidence underscores how interconnected struggles for justice and accountability have become in the country.

He stressed that the protest for Nnamdi Kanu is not limited to any particular group, but a collective call for fairness, freedom, and respect for human rights.

“This is not an IPOB fight or an ‘Aloota community’ issue,” Sowore said. “This is a fight for everybody of good conscience.”