The Arewa Youths for Peaceful Coexistence (AYPC) has accused activist and politician, Omoyele Sowore, of plotting to incite unrest through his planned protest calling for the release of detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
Gatekeepers News reports that the group alleged that the protest, scheduled for Monday, is not a genuine democratic exercise but a deliberate attempt to discredit President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and destabilise the nation.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) coordinator of the group, Ogah Okpanachi, said intelligence gathered by the organisation suggests that the planned demonstration is not motivated by justice or democratic ideals, but by a calculated plan to sow chaos across the country.
“We wish to draw the attention of all patriotic Nigerians to the planned protest being organised by Omoyele Sowore and his associates under the guise of demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu. We categorically reject this call and urge every peace-loving Nigerian to shun and resist this misguided attempt to destabilise our beloved nation,” Okpanachi said.
According to him, Nigeria has moved beyond “the era of destructive street protests” that serve the selfish interests of “political opportunists masquerading as activists.” He urged Nigerians to remember the tragic consequences of the 2020 #EndSARS protests, which led to the loss of lives, destruction of property, and economic disruption.
Okpanachi stressed that Nigeria, as a nation governed by the rule of law, has an independent judiciary competent to handle all legal matters — including Kanu’s case — without interference.
“No individual or group has the authority to take the law into their hands or intimidate the courts through street demonstrations. Sowore and his cohorts are not fighting for democracy; they are exploiting national issues to advance their selfish agenda and create disorder,” he stated.
Reaffirming the group’s support for President Tinubu, the AYPC commended the administration for what it described as steady progress under the Renewed Hope Agenda — citing improvements in infrastructure, security, the economy, and youth empowerment.
“Under his visionary leadership, Nigeria is gradually regaining stability and confidence,” Okpanachi said. “President Tinubu has shown unmatched commitment to Nigeria’s unity, peace, and prosperity, investing heavily in roads, railways, education, power, agriculture, and social welfare.”
He urged Nigerians, especially the youth, to resist divisive elements and focus on nation-building.
“Nigerians of good conscience must rise in defence of this progress and reject all divisive plots designed to distract or discredit the government. Let us focus on building rather than breaking, on cooperation rather than confrontation. Nigeria’s greatness will not come through violence or protests, but through collective effort, dialogue, and support for our democratic institutions,” Okpanachi added.
