The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Kaduna State Chapter, has declared that the agenda of civil rights activist Omoleye Sowore threatens Nigeria’s national unity, stability, and cohesion, while urging youths and all citizens to shun attempts to lure them into destructive protests.

The council was reacting to reports of a planned nationwide demonstration tagged #FreeNnamdiKanuNow.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Comrade Umar Abubakar, on Saturday, the NYCN said while peaceful protest is a constitutional right, any action that endangers public peace or national unity must be firmly rejected by patriotic youths and Nigerians in general.

According to Abubakar, the growing trend of using activism as a tool for political agitation and incitement is dangerous, warning that such actions only deepen divisions and distract the country from addressing real developmental challenges.

“We must resist those who thrive on chaos and disunity. Nigerian youths should not be used as instruments by conflict entrepreneurs whose only goal is to destabilise the nation,” he said.

The Kaduna NYCN described Sowore’s posture as reckless and unpatriotic, accusing him of exploiting the nation’s democratic space for personal and political relevance.

“Leadership is about responsibility and nation-building, not about fueling disorder or seeking attention through disruption,” the council added.

The youth body further cautioned against ridiculing or discrediting national leaders under the guise of activism, insisting that constructive engagement, not confrontation, remains the most effective path to reform.

While reaffirming its commitment to peace and national cohesion, the NYCN commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Minister of Youth Development, and Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani for championing youth empowerment and inclusion in governance.

It also lauded the Kaduna State Commissioner for Youth Development for consistent engagement with youth bodies across the state, describing such collaboration as key to sustaining peace and progress.

The statement further urged all Nigerian youths to remain law-abiding, innovative, and focused on contributing positively to national development, emphasising that true patriotism lies in building the nation rather than tearing it apart.

Meanwhile, a Kuje Magistrate Court, on Friday, October 24, granted bail to Sowore, the publisher of Sahara Reporters, and Aloy Ejimakor, the lawyer for Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

The court also granted bail to Kanu’s brother, Prince Emmanuel, and ten other protesters arrested during the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest in Abuja on October 20.

They faced charges of unlawful assembly and public disturbance. Conditions for their release include a bail sum of N500,000 each, submission of their National Identification Numbers (NIN), three-year tax clearance certificates, and their passports to the court.

The arrests sparked outrage among legal professionals and supporters of Kanu.
Sowore was taken into custody the day prior at the Federal High Court while showing solidarity with Kanu, who is currently facing terrorism charges.