Claim: A viral video shared by X user @HighChiefOkoro alleged that Governor Alex Otti contracted activist Omoyele Sowore to lead a protest demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu.

Verdict: The claim is false. No credible evidence supports the allegation that Governor Otti hired Sowore. Reports confirm Sowore acted independently, while Otti has pursued diplomatic channels for Kanu’s release.

Full Story

The conviction of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), remains a highly contentious issue in Nigeria’s South-East. On November 20, 2025, a Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced Kanu to life imprisonment on seven terrorism-related charges, including incitement and illegal broadcasts via Radio Biafra.

Before the sentencing, waves of protests swept through Abuja and South-East states, disrupting commerce and transportation. For many in the region, Kanu’s conviction symbolised not just a legal judgment but a continuation of historic grievances and perceived marginalisation.

Following the ruling, political and diplomatic efforts intensified. Governor Alex Otti of Abia State visited Kanu in detention, pledging to pursue his release through dialogue with the Federal Government rather than street protests.

On March 12, 2026, a coalition of Kanu’s supporters staged a protest in Aba, Abia State, demanding his freedom. Rumours quickly spread online that Governor Otti funded the protest as part of his 2027 re-election strategy.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled the 2027 elections for January 16 and February 6, 2027, and Otti is expected to seek re-election. His political agenda emphasises grassroots mobilisation, youth and women’s participation, and membership expansion.

As videos of the Aba protest circulated, @HighChiefOkoro claimed: “Alex Otti has contracted Sowore to lead the protest… they are in Abia today, they will try to push it to other states in the coming days.” The post gained traction, with 72.2k views, 270 responses, and 670 reposts.

Reactions were divided. Some commenters believed Otti orchestrated the protest for political gain, while others dismissed the claim as baseless speculation.

See the screenshot of the video below:

A comment from @Demrich2000 shows many believed the claim was true, saying: Alex Otti knows that it is mission impossible. He’s doing this to push for his own re-election because that is what the Abians want to hear.  

Conversely, a few like @Ekenefirst doubted if there was any evidence Governor Otti contracted Sowore for the protest, saying,: I hope when you are picked, you can defend it with proof in the court. Keep pushing unsubstantiated discussion.

This forth and back prompted NDRFactCheck to verify the truth of the claim to ensure there was no political colouration to the claim.

Verification

NDRFactCheck observed that Sahara Reporters had quoted Sowore in the past, stating, “Alex Otti and Soludo neither took my calls nor responded to my messages,” confirming Otti’s refusal to align with similar protests in the past.

The Punch newspaper also reported that the latest Aba protest was organised by the Coalition of Lovers of Freedom, a grassroots group of Kanu supporters. The only public official mentioned was former Abia State lawmaker Obinna Ichita, who urged participants to remain peaceful.

Governor Otti has consistently expressed support for Kanu’s release but insists on pursuing it through diplomacy, not protests. He has described himself as “Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s Governor”, emphasising responsibility through dialogue rather than force.

Conclusion

While Governor Alex Otti has shown sympathy for Nnamdi Kanu’s plight and taken high-profile steps to advocate for his release, there is no evidence that he contracted Sowore to lead protests. Sowore acted independently and true to his character and belief, while Governor Otti’s public approach remains rooted in negotiation with the Federal Government. Hence, the NDRFactCheck concludes that the claim is false.

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