Igbo apex group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, and Southeast Peaceful Youths Integration for Tinubu (SEPYIFT) on Thursday advocated for peaceful dialogue, not protest, for the release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, noting that prominent Igbo leaders have been making serious efforts toward the achievement.

In a separate statement by Deputy President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and Southeast Peaceful Youths Integration for Tinubu SEPYIFY, Pastor Damain Onu, obtained by the Guardian in Abakaliki, the duo maintained that the protest may mar the peaceful approaches of leaders who have been seeking his release, pleading with Igbos to shun the protest and allow leaders to continue with their peaceful initiatives.

They described the protest scheduled for Monday, October 20, 2025, by Sowore-Atiku as anti-Igbo and a calculated endeavour to incite revolutionary unrest against President Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, with the unfortunate inclusion of the Igbo people as unwitting sacrificial lambs in this political theatre, saying that they will not allow them to drag the Igbos into it.

Isiguzoro noted that leaders have advocated for the release of Nnamdi Kanu through legitimate political solutions and established judicial processes, adding that the attempts by politicians such as Atiku Abubakar and their co-travellers to clandestinely orchestrate what they term a “revolution” under the guise of a campaign for Kanu’s release are dubious and deeply suspect.

He maintained that Igbo people find themselves understandably apprehensive when individuals, “who have previously positioned themselves against our interests,” suddenly profess solidarity, noting that the Igbo are far too discerning to fall into the traps laid by the manipulative designs of Sowore and Atiku.

He implored all Nigerians, as well as advocates of equity, justice, and democracy, to actively distance themselves from the planned protests, revolution, and riots, insisting that the Igbo community must not become mere instruments in a political script crafted by those—like Atiku Abubakar—who seek to undermine the legitimacy of President Tinubu’s administration.

He made it clear that the planned protests will disrupt ongoing judicial proceedings and undermine the political negotiations led by Hon. Obi Aguocha, appointed by Nnamdi Kanu to advocate for his release, who is still pleading with the Igbos to shun the protest.

He further warned against chaos, expressing genuine concern that these planned protests could escalate into violence, thereby endangering the lives and properties of many Nigerians, echoing the devastation seen during the EndSARS protests.

“It is imperative to recognise that the planned unrest does not serve the interests of the Igbo people, nor does it benefit Nnamdi Kanu. Let it be said, irrespective of whose interests may suffer,” he said.

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo, in conjunction with Southeast governors and Igbo ministers, is prepared to engage in all necessary discussions with President Tinubu regarding constructive political solutions, and we have unshakeable faith in the judicial process and the broader quest for justice,” he added.

“Furthermore, we urge the Igbo community to rally in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as he endeavours to rewrite our historical narrative—a narrative deeply affected by the legacy of the Biafra conflict.

“The recent appointments of Senator Dave Umahi and the illustrious Bianca Ojukwu underscore that we possess dedicated representatives in the ear of President Tinubu.

“We encourage Senator Umahi and Bianca Ojukwu to continue their vital behind-the-scenes negotiations for the release of Nnamdi Kanu. We assure the Igbo populace that President Tinubu is committed to taking the right actions in due course”.

Similarly, Pastor Damain Onu, the Leader of Southeast Peaceful Youths Integration For Tinubu (SEPYIFT), sounded a strong warning to the people of the Southeast to be cautious about the planned nationwide protest on October 20th, announced by Human Rights activist Omoyele Sowore.

Onu, who expressed concern that the protest could lead to insecurity in the southeast and disrupt economic activities, noted that notable southeast leaders had adopted a more effective approach for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kalu.

The SEPYIFT Leader said the people of the Southeast should not allow themselves to be deceived and misled by Omoyele Sowore into hating their leaders, adding that Sowore did not love Nnamdi Kalu more than his own people.

He recalled that when Sunday Igboho was arrested before his subsequent release, there was no form of protest in Lagos, and he wondered why Sowore was calling on the Igbos to join him in protest.

“When Igboho was arrested, almost on the same offence, was there any protest in Lagos State? Was there any protest in Abuja? They did not protest. So, this protest is to complicate the issue for Nnamdi Kanu, so that he can be incarcerated more. He wants to provoke the power that be, but we won’t allow that to be”.