The leading Igbo socio-cultural body, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, together with governors and ministers from the South-East region, has publicly disassociated itself from the nationwide protest slated for October 20, 2025, which demands the release of IPOB leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
In an official release signed by Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the factional Deputy President-General, and Chief Chinyereze National Thompson Ohia, the National Spokesperson, Ohanaeze characterized the planned demonstration as a politically charged maneuver orchestrated by figures linked to Sowore and Atiku Abubakar.
“We regard this proposed protest with deep skepticism, viewing it as a covert attempt to incite chaos, destabilize President Bola Tinubu’s administration, and manipulate the genuine grievances of the Igbo people for ulterior political motives,” the statement emphasized.
Ohanaeze further revealed that intelligence reports suggest the protest is a calculated strategy aimed at replicating the turmoil witnessed during the EndSARS movement, with the ultimate goal of weakening the current government.
The organization accused the plot of being financially backed by associates of Atiku Abubakar, intending to exploit the campaign for Kanu’s release to lure Igbo citizens into a perilous and destructive confrontation.
Advocating for peaceful and lawful approaches, Ohanaeze stressed, “The quest for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s freedom must be pursued through political dialogue and judicial channels. We strongly condemn any efforts by politicians, especially those with a track record of undermining Igbo interests, to capitalize on this issue for their own political advantage.”
Highlighting concerns about newfound political sympathies, the group warned against the suspicious support from individuals who have historically been indifferent or antagonistic to Igbo causes, cautioning, “The Igbo community is too wise to fall prey to the Atiku-Sowore trap.”
Ohanaeze called on all Nigerians to reject and steer clear of the unrest planned for October 20, 2025, urging the public not to participate in the demonstrations.
“The Igbo people must not be manipulated as pawns in political schemes devised by Atiku Abubakar and his allies, whose objective is to destabilize the Tinubu government,” the statement concluded.
Finally, the organization warned that the Atiku-Sowore initiative threatens to derail ongoing judicial processes and political negotiations led by Hon. Obi Aguocha, cautioning that the protest could result in loss of lives and property, reminiscent of the destruction during the EndSARS protests.
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