Tension Brews as Arewa Youths Accuse Sowore of Destabilisation Plot Over Nnamdi Kanu Protest

The Arewa Youths for Peaceful Coexistence (AYPC) has accused activist and politician Omoyele Sowore of plotting to incite unrest through a planned protest demanding the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

The group alleged that the proposed demonstration, scheduled for Monday, was not a genuine democratic action but a calculated attempt to discredit President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and destabilise the country.

Addressing journalists in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Coordinator of the group, Ogah Okpanachi, claimed that intelligence gathered by the organisation indicated that the planned protest was not about justice or democracy, but a deliberate move to undermine the government and sow chaos nationwide.

According to him, Nigeria has moved past the era of “destructive street protests” often driven by political opportunists disguised as activists.

“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 resist this misguided attempt to destabilise our beloved nation,” Okpanachi said.

He warned against a repeat of the 2020 EndSARS protests, which, according to the group, led to loss of lives, destruction of property, and significant economic setbacks.

“As a nation governed by the rule of law, we have an independent judiciary that handles all matters, including that of Nnamdi Kanu. No individual or group has the authority to take the law into their hands or intimidate the courts through street demonstrations,” he added.

Okpanachi further accused Sowore and his allies of exploiting national issues for personal political gain, rather than genuine concern for democracy or justice.

Reaffirming the group’s support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration, the AYPC described the president as a visionary leader under whose watch Nigeria is regaining stability and public confidence.

“The Renewed Hope Agenda is yielding tangible results — from infrastructure development and security reforms to economic revitalisation and youth empowerment,” the group stated.

They commended the federal government’s investments in roads, railways, education, power, agriculture, and social welfare programmes, describing them as deliberate efforts to rebuild the foundation of a stronger and more inclusive nation.

Okpanachi urged Nigerians, especially the youth, to reject divisive tendencies and work together for peace and progress.

“Nigerians of good conscience must rise in defence of our national progress and reject all plots designed to distract or discredit the government,” he said. “Let us focus on building, not breaking; on cooperation, not confrontation. Our nation’s greatness will not come through violence or protests, but through collective effort, dialogue, and unwavering support for our democratic institutions.”