A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) has announced plans to stage a one-million-man protest against the administration of Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, on November 9, 2026.
The planned demonstration is expected to take place simultaneously in Abakaliki, Abuja and Lagos, with 56 NGOs and 39 CSOs reportedly scheduled to participate.
The leader of the coalition, Dr Ibiam Oko Ibiam, disclosed the development in a press release made available to journalists.
Ibiam said the protest was aimed at drawing national and international attention to alleged human rights abuses, politically motivated killings, electoral violence and mismanagement of public resources in Ebonyi State.
He called on residents of the state, regardless of their political affiliations, to participate in the demonstration, which he described as an effort to rescue Ebonyi from what he termed the grip of political vampires and blood-sucking forces.
The activist also questioned Governor Nwifuru’s commitment to his constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property and ensuring the welfare of the people.
Specifically, Ibiam expressed concern over the reported killing of Ubochi Onwe at Mgbo in Ohaukwu Local Government Area.
He alleged that the victim’s mouth was cut off after he offered prayers for an opposition political candidate.
He also cited other reported assassination incidents in Ezza South Local Government Area, describing the situation as alarming and calling on security agencies to take urgent action.
On the management of public funds, the coalition leader criticised what he described as misplaced spending priorities by the Nwifuru administration.
He questioned the alleged procurement of SUVs for female political office holders, expensive champagne consumption and the distribution of public funds to political guests and associates.
Ibiam wondered why government spending on entertainment, hospitality and political activities would allegedly take precedence over critical sectors such as education and healthcare.
Citing figures covering January to September 2026, he questioned the alleged expenditure of ₦22.2 billion on entertainment, approximately ₦17 billion on cash donations to official guests and ₦30 billion on loan servicing.
He contrasted the figures with the approximately ₦9.3 billion allegedly allocated to education and primary healthcare, insisting that the government owed residents an explanation for its spending priorities.
The coalition leader also raised concerns about Ebonyi State’s growing debt obligations, warning that the state’s borrowing profile could put pressure on projected revenues and threaten its financial stability.
According to the statement, the planned protest will hold in Abakaliki, at Louis Edet House in Abuja and around the American Embassy area in Lagos.
Ibiam urged human rights advocates, labour unions, youth organisations and other stakeholders to join the demonstration, stressing that its objectives include demanding accountability, protecting human rights, ending political violence and ensuring responsible management of public resources.
The coalition also called on security agencies to provide adequate protection for participants and ensure that the protest remains peaceful and orderly.
Gists9ja reports that the planned demonstration comes amid growing concerns raised by the coalition over governance, security and public expenditure in Ebonyi State.
