NNAMDI KANU; OHANAEZE, SOUTHEAST GOVERNORS AND IGBO MINISTERS DISOWNS SOWORE-ATIKU ANTI-IGBO PROTESTS AS A PLOT TO OVERTHROW TINUBU’S GOVERNMENT – NDIGBO OPT FOR DIALOGUE FOR KANU’S RELEASE

A TEXT OF WORLD PRESS CONFERENCE HOLDING ON FRIDAY, 17TH OCTOBER 2025

Esteemed Members of the Press, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

We, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, in conjunction with the Southeast Governors and Igbo Ministers, address you today with a grave sense of responsibility and a profound commitment to the well-being of Ndigbo and the stability of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We gather to unequivocally condemn the planned Sowore-Atiku-orchestrated protests, ostensibly focused on the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, scheduled for Monday, 20th October 2025. 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 Ahmed Tinubu, and exploiting the legitimate concerns of Ndigbo for nefarious political ends.

Our considered assessment, informed by credible intelligence and meticulous analysis, reveals that this proposed action is nothing more than a cynical ploy designed to instigate a repeat of the EndSARS riots, ultimately aimed at undermining the current administration. This insidious scheme, allegedly funded by elements associated with Atiku Abubakar and his cohorts, seeks to exploit the genuine desire for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s release and draw unsuspecting Igbo citizens into a dangerous and destructive venture. We firmly reject this manipulative tactic.

In light of these grave concerns, we unequivocally state the following:

(1) Rejection of Deception and Advocacy for Peaceful Resolution: The pursuit of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s release through political solutions and the established judicial processes is paramount. We vehemently denounce any attempt by politicians, particularly those with a demonstrable history of acting against Igbo interests, to utilize the situation for their political gain. 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. We, the Igbo people, are too astute and discerning to be ensnared by the Atiku-Sowore booby trap.

(2) Call to Denounce and Avoid the Planned Unrest: We implore all Nigerians, particularly those who cherish truth, justice, and democracy, to distance themselves from the planned protests, riots, and acts of civil disobedience scheduled for 20th October 2025. Ndigbo must not be used as pawns in any political game orchestrated by Atiku Abubakar and his allies, the ultimate aim being to destabilize the Tinubu administration. We emphatically state that this planned disruption does not serve the interests of Ndigbo, nor does it contribute to the cause of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. The Atiku-Sowore scheme will undoubtedly undermine the ongoing judicial proceedings and the ongoing political discussions and negotiations, which Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has wisely entrusted to a team led by Hon. Obi Aguocha.

(3) Concerns Regarding Public Safety and Security: We are deeply concerned that the planned protests and riots will endanger the lives and property of Nigerians, a tragic scenario we witnessed during the EndSARS riots. The potential for widespread violence, looting, and the destruction of critical infrastructure is a grave concern that cannot be ignored.

(4) Exposure of Nefarious Intentions and Potential for Chaos: Credible intelligence sources indicate that the architects of this scheme intend to unleash paid hoodlums and anarchists to attack public institutions and Igbo-populated markets, particularly in Abuja, with the intent to loot property and sow chaos. Furthermore, the timing of this protest, merely two months before the Christmas season, further raises suspicions, thereby suggesting the existence of sinister intentions designed to amplify unrest and social disorder. In consideration of Nigeria’s present challenges, we must vehemently condemn this plot and advise everyone to shun it.

(5) Call for Government Intervention and Support for Dialogue: We call upon all relevant security agencies and the Federal Government to employ all necessary, legitimate, democratic, and constitutional means to thwart the planned protests at their inception. We urge the Presidency to remain resolute and not be distracted by the proponents of this scheme, who are largely political jobbers seeking to exploit the situation for their selfish gains. Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the Southeast Governors, and Igbo Ministers stand ready to engage in constructive dialogue with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to explore political solutions. We have faith in the judicial process and believe justice will ultimately prevail. We call on Ndigbo to rally their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is poised and demonstrated a readiness to rewrite the chequered history of the Igbos 55 years after the Biafra war ended; the appointments of Senator Dave Umahi and the wife of our legendary icon, Bianca Ojukwu by Tinubu shows that the Igbos have two persons who have the ears of President Tinubu. We urge Umahi and Bianca Ojukwu to keep doing the behind the scenes talks for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, We assure Igbos that President Tinubu will do the right things at the right time.

In conclusion, we reiterate our unwavering commitment to peaceful resolution, the rule of law, and the advancement of Igbo interests within a united and prosperous Nigeria. We urge all citizens to reject this cynical attempt to incite division and instability.

May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Signed:

Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro
Deputy President General
Ohanaeze Ndigbo

Chief Chinyereze Thompson Ohia
National Spokesman
Ohanaeze Ndigbo