The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has distanced itself—along with South-East governors and ministers from the region—from the planned nationwide protest scheduled for October 20, 2025, demanding the unconditional release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
In a statement issued on Thursday and jointly signed by Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the factional Deputy President-General, and Chief Chinyereze Thompson Ohia, National Spokesperson, Ohanaeze Ndigbo said it viewed the planned protest with “extreme suspicion.”
The group described the demonstration as a politically motivated attempt to destabilize the administration of President Bola Tinubu under the guise of agitating for Kanu’s release.
“We view this purported demonstration with extreme suspicion and firmly believe it to be a thinly veiled attempt at fomenting unrest, destabilizing the government of President Bola Tinubu, and exploiting the legitimate concerns of Ndigbo for nefarious political ends,” the statement read.
According to Ohanaeze, credible intelligence suggests that the planned protest—allegedly backed by elements loyal to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and activist Omoyele Sowore—aims to trigger unrest similar to the EndSARS riots and undermine national stability.
The organization urged Ndigbo and Nigerians at large to reject what it described as “the Atiku-Sowore booby trap,” warning that participation in the protests could endanger lives and property.
“The sudden and unsolicited display of uneasy affection for Igbo causes by individuals previously indifferent or even hostile to our community raises significant red flags,” it said. “We, the Igbo people, are too discerning to be used as pawns in any political game orchestrated to destabilize the Tinubu administration.”
Ohanaeze emphasized that the call for Nnamdi Kanu’s release must be pursued through political dialogue and judicial processes rather than street demonstrations that could lead to chaos.
The group further expressed concern over potential security risks, recalling the violence and destruction that followed the EndSARS protests.
“We are deeply concerned that the planned protests and riots will endanger the lives and property of Nigerians. The potential for widespread violence, looting, and destruction of critical infrastructure is a grave concern that cannot be ignored,” the statement added.
Ohanaeze concluded by reaffirming its commitment to peace, stability, and a lawful resolution of issues affecting the South-East region.