The Nigerian Presidency has firmly voiced its opposition to Omoyele Sowore’s upcoming protest march scheduled for October 20 at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. Sowore, a prominent activist, plans to rally in support of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who remains in detention.

Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, denounced the protest via his official X account @aonanuga1956, describing Sowore as "an anarchist masquerading as a rights activist." Sowore has labelled the event a "historic" march aimed at demanding Kanu’s immediate release.

However, Onanuga warned that such demonstrations pose a threat to peace and stability, emphasising that Kanu is currently facing trial on serious treason charges that must be handled through the legal process without public interference.

“You are nothing more than an anarchist masquerading as a rights activist. You very well know that Nnamdi Kanu is facing trial for treason, and you want to cause a breakdown of law and order by mobilising for a protest?” Onanuga questioned.

He further challenged Sowore’s notion of revolution, asking,

“Is this the kind of revolution you envisage for Nigeria, where the rule of law will be violated and your idea of justice would be the law of the jungle?”

Onanuga also criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for endorsing the protest, accusing him of opportunism.

“I am surprised that ex-VP Atiku Abubakar, who is always opportunistic, has supported the planned mob action. As a statesman, he should know better that matters of justice are not resolved on the streets but in the law court,” he said.

Despite the Judiciary’s slow pace, Onanuga affirmed the government’s commitment to justice regarding Kanu’s case.

“While the wheel of justice can sometimes be grindingly slow, partly caused by Kanu’s lawyers, Nnamdi Kanu will eventually get the justice he deserves for his alleged transgressions,” he concluded.

ASA