2027 poll: 'One-million-man' protest against Gov Nwifuru set for November 9
A coalition of civil society organisations and non-governmental organisations has announced plans to stage a one-million-man protest against the administration of Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State on Monday, November 9, 2026.
The protest, according to the coalition, will take place simultaneously in Abakaliki, Abuja and Lagos, with 56 non-governmental organisations, NGOs, and 39 civil society organisations, CSOs, expected to participate.
The leader of the coalition, Dr Ibiam Oko Ibiam, disclosed this in a press statement made available to journalists in Abakaliki on Thursday.
Ibiam said the demonstration was intended to draw national and international attention to what he described as deteriorating human rights conditions, politically motivated assassinations, electoral violence and alleged mismanagement of public funds in Ebonyi State.
He called on well-meaning Ebonyians, irrespective of political affiliation, to rise and participate in what he described as a collective effort to rescue the state from what he termed the grip of political vampires and blood-sucking forces.
The activist also questioned Governor Nwifuru's understanding of the responsibilities of the office of governor, particularly his constitutional obligation to protect lives and property and ensure the welfare of citizens.
He specifically expressed concern over the gruesome killing of Ubochi Onwe at Mgbo in Ohaukwu Local Government Area, alleging that the victim's mouth was cut off after he had offered prayers for an opposition political candidate.
He also referenced other reported assassination incidents in Ezza South Local Government Area, describing the development as alarming and demanding urgent attention from security agencies.
On public expenditure, Ibiam criticised what he described as the administration's misplaced priorities, questioning the alleged procurement of SUV vehicles for female political office holders, expensive champagne consumption, and distribution of public funds to political guests and associates.
He wondered why government expenditure on entertainment, hospitality and political largesse would allegedly take precedence over education, healthcare and other essential services.
Citing figures covering January to September 2026, Ibiam questioned how the state government could allegedly spend ₦22.2 billion on entertainment, approximately ₦17 billion on cash donations to official guests and ₦30 billion on loan servicing, while only about ₦9.3 billion went to education and primary healthcare.
He described the figures as disturbing, insisting that the government must explain its spending priorities to the people of Ebonyi State.
The coalition leader further raised concerns over the state's borrowing profile, warning that mounting debt obligations could place considerable pressure on projected government revenue and threaten the state's financial stability in the coming months.
He urged Ebonyians, human rights advocates, labour groups, youth organisations and other stakeholders to mobilise for the planned demonstration.
According to the statement, the protest locations include Abakaliki, Louis Edet House in Abuja and the American Embassy area in Lagos.
Ibiam maintained that the planned demonstration was aimed at demanding accountability, protection of human rights, an end to political violence and responsible management of public resources.
The coalition called on security agencies to provide adequate protection for peaceful protesters and ensure that the exercise remained peaceful and orderly.
2027 poll: ‘One-million-man’ protest against Gov Nwifuru set for November 9