A wave of controversy has erupted online after reports surfaced that activist Omoyele Sowore has scheduled a protest demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), for October 20 — the same date Nigerians commemorate the victims of the #EndSARS protest.
Social media users and political commentators have accused Sowore of deliberately choosing the date to distract from or weaken national remembrance activities for those killed during the 2020 Lekki Toll Gate shooting.
One viral post claimed,
“Sowore scheduling a protest for Nnamdi Kanu on October 20 isn’t coincidence — it’s a calculated move to dilute any remembrance for those killed during the #EndSARS protest. If you can’t see it, then you’re not paying attention; this man works with Tinubu and the APC.”
The allegation suggests a coordinated attempt to redirect national attention from the annual #EndSARS memorial, which has become a symbol of youth resistance and a call for accountability in Nigeria’s governance and policing system.
However, Sowore — known for his long-standing activism and criticism of government policies — has not publicly responded to the claims as of press time. His supporters have dismissed the allegations as politically motivated propaganda, insisting that his advocacy for Nnamdi Kanu’s release aligns with his broader campaign for human rights and justice.
The timing of the protest continues to spark heated debate across social media platforms, with many Nigerians expressing concern that it could divide focus between two emotionally charged national causes.
As October 20 approaches, observers warn that the date — once synonymous with unity and remembrance — risks being overshadowed by political tension, unless stakeholders act with sensitivity and respect for the memories of #EndSARS victims.
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