The Apex Igbo Sociocultural Organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has rejected the purported plan by Omoyele Sowore and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to protest for the release of IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and described it as a plot to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Cisca News reports as was contained in a press statement signed by the group’s Deputy National President, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro and National spokesman, Chief Chinyereze Thompson Ohia respectively.
The statement read:
“Today, we convene not only to express our firm stance on the pivotal issue surrounding the planned Sowore-Atiku protests scheduled for Monday, 20th October, 2025, but also to elucidate our unwavering commitment to seeking justice through dialogue rather than discord.”
“The protests, camouflaged as a noble effort to advocate for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, have been unequivocally identified through credible intelligence as a duplicitous endeavour aimed at fomenting revolution and chaos under the pretense of civil disobedience. It is with grave concern that we disclose our findings, which suggest the involvement of influential figures such as Atiku Abubakar, who are seemingly determined to incite unrest as part of an orchestrated effort to undermine the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
1. A Call for Political Solutions: We advocate for the release of Nnamdi Kanu through political solutions and judicial processes. The attempts by opportunists like Atiku Abubakar, under the guise of advocating for Kanu’s release, are not only dubious but raise serious questions about their motives. The Igbo community is rightfully apprehensive when figures previously opposed to our interests proclaim an unexpected allegiance to our cause. We must be vigilant, for Igbos are astute and will not become unwitting pawns in the Atiku-Sowore chess game.
2. Rejection of the Planned Protests: We beckon all Nigerians and advocates of truth, justice, and democracy to disassociate themselves from the planned protests, revolts, and riots. The Igbo people must not permit their narrative to be co-opted by those intent on undermining President Tinubu’s administration. The proposed unrest stands against the interests of the Igbo population, as well as the interests of Nnamdi Kanu himself. It is imperative to reiterate that these disruptions could jeopardize all ongoing judicial and political negotiations aimed at securing Kanu’s release, discussions that have already designated Hon. Obi Aguocha to lead the dialogue with the Federal Government.
3. A Call to Protect Lives and Property: Our sincere apprehension extends to the potential escalation of violence and damage to lives and property which such protests invariably bring, as we have tragically witnessed in the past during the End SARS protests. The planned protests and riots will only serve to endanger the lives of innocent Nigerians.
4. Concerns Over Hijacking: Reliable intelligence suggests that this agitation could be infiltrated by paid hoodlums and anarchists tasked with executing violent agendas against public institutions and Igbo-populated markets in Abuja. The timing is notably sinister, with potential chaos looming just two months before Christmas, an essential period for many Nigerians. It is in the prudent interest of Ndigbo and all Nigerians to denounce these planned protests and extricate ourselves from them.
5. Call for Action from Security Agencies: We emphatically urge all security agencies and the federal government to utilize legitimate, democratic, and constitutional measures to thwart the intent behind these protests. The Presidency must not allow itself to be drawn into the quagmire created by those seeking political capital over genuine progress.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo, alongside Southeast governors and Igbo Ministers, stand poised to engage in constructive dialogue with President Tinubu to seek political resolutions. We possess unwavering faith in the judiciary to deliver justice in this matter. We implore the Igbo community to rally in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. His administration has shown promise in rewriting the complicated narrative of the Igbo people, as evidenced by the strategic appointments of Senator Dave Umahi and the iconic Bianca Ojukwu, who have established pathways for our voices to be heard at the highest levels of government.”
“Let us continue to work diligently behind the scenes, fostering discussions aimed at securing the release of Nnamdi Kanu. Rest assured, President Tinubu is committed to pursuing what is just and right in due time.” Ohanaeze stated