- Ohanaeze Ndigbo has teamed up with South East governors and ministers to distance themselves from nationwide protests planned for October 20, 2025 demanding the release of IPOB leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
- In a statement by Chief Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro and Chinyereze National Thompson Ohia, the group described the protest as “orchestrated by Sowore-Atiku” in an attempt to “incite unrest and destabilize the government of President Bola Tinubu”.
- Ohanaze claimed that the plan was aimed at “instigating a repeat of the last SARS riots” and urged Nigerians to avoid doing so.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the pinnacle Igbo socio-cultural organization, has joined South East governors and ministers in distancing itself from nationwide protests planned for October 20, 2025 calling for the release of IPOB leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
In a statement signed by the faction’s deputy president, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and national spokesperson, Chief Thompson Ohia, Ohanaeze described the planned “Sowore-Atiku orchestrated protest” as suspicious and politically motivated.
“We view this so-called demonstration with great suspicion and firmly believe that it is a thinly veiled attempt to foment unrest, destabilize the government of President Bola Tinubu and exploit Ndigbo’s legitimate concerns for nefarious political purposes.” the group said.
According to Ohaniz, credible intelligence indicates that the protests are “It is nothing more than a cynical tactic designed to incite a repeat of the apocalyptic SARS riots with the ultimate goal of undermining the current government.”
The group further claimed that the scheme was “funded by persons associated with Atiku Abubakar and his associates” and aimed at leveraging calls for Kanu’s release to lure Igbo citizens “into dangerous and destructive adventures”.
It urged a peaceful resolution, stating: “It is vital that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu be released through a political solution and judicial process. We strongly condemn any attempt by politicians, especially those with a clear history of working against Igbo interests, to exploit the situation for political gain. “
Ohanize warns against “People who were previously indifferent and even hostile developed uneasy feelings towards the Igbo people,” Call it a red flag. “We Igbos are too shrewd and insightful to be fooled by the Atiku-Sowore trap. “
The group called on Nigerians to “condemn and avoid planned riots,” urging them to distance themselves from protests “scheduled for October 20, 2025.”
“Ndigbo must not be used as a pawn in any political game orchestrated by Atiku Abubakar and his allies, with the ultimate aim of destabilizing the Tinubu government.” it states.
Ohaneze concluded that “The Atiku-Sowore plan will undoubtedly undermine the ongoing judicial process and political negotiations” Led by Hon. Obi Aguocha and warned that planned protests could endanger lives and property, as witnessed during the End SARS riots.
