NANS Confirms Support for Free Nnamdi Kanu Protest, Dismisses Denial Reports

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has denied claims that it withdrew from the planned protest demanding the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

The clarification came on Thursday after reports surfaced earlier in the day alleging that the student body had distanced itself from the protest. The reports quoted one Olushola Oladoja, said to be a factional president of NANS, who reportedly told journalists in Ibadan that the group was not part of the protest scheduled for October 20, 2025.

However, NANS, through its recognized national leadership, dismissed the report as false and misleading. The association maintained that it remains fully involved in the protest and accused unnamed government agents of sponsoring individuals to falsely represent the organization and create confusion among the public.

According to NANS, the protest will proceed as planned, with students from various zones expected to gather at designated locations before heading to Abuja.

The association restated its commitment to supporting the call for Kanu’s release, stating that it considers the action a collective effort to demand justice.

PIt added that the protest would be peaceful and aimed at ensuring that the federal government addresses concerns over Kanu’s continued detention despite several court rulings ordering his release.The student body urged Nigerians who believe in fairness and justice to join the demonstration, stressing that the cause goes beyond regional or political lines.

Students from the South-West are expected to converge in Ekiti State, those from the South-East in Enugu, and participants from the South-South in Edo State before proceeding to Abuja for the main protest.