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 Monday, November 9, 2026.
The demonstration is expected to hold simultaneously in Abakaliki, Abuja and Lagos, with 56 NGOs and 39 civil society organisations expected to participate.
The coalition’s leader, Dr Ibiam Oko Ibiam, disclosed this in a press statement made available to journalists in Abakaliki on Thursday.
Ibiam said the protest was intended to draw national and international attention to what he described as worsening human rights conditions, politically motivated killings, electoral violence and alleged mismanagement of public funds in the state.
He called on residents of Ebonyi State, irrespective of political affiliation, to join the demonstration, describing it as a collective effort to demand accountability and rescue the state 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 to protect lives and property and ensure the welfare of residents.
He expressed particular concern over the killing of Ubochi Onwe at Mgbo in Ohaukwu Local Government Area, alleging that the victim’s mouth was cut off after he offered prayers for an opposition political candidate.
Ibiam further cited other reported assassination incidents in Ezza South Local Government Area, describing the developments as alarming and calling for urgent intervention by security agencies.
On the management of public funds, the coalition leader criticised what he described as misplaced spending priorities by the state government.
He questioned alleged expenditures on SUV vehicles for female political office holders, expensive champagne and cash distributions to political guests and associates, arguing that such spending should not take precedence over essential sectors such as education and healthcare.
Citing figures covering January to September 2026, Ibiam alleged that the state government spent ₦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, describing the disparity as disturbing and demanding explanations from the government.
The coalition also raised concerns over the state’s borrowing profile, warning that increasing debt obligations could place significant pressure on projected government revenue and threaten its financial stability.
Ibiam urged human rights advocates, labour unions, youth organisations and other stakeholders to mobilise for the demonstration.
According to the statement, the protest will take place in Abakaliki, at Louis Edet House in Abuja and around the American Embassy area in Lagos.
The coalition said its demands include the protection of human rights, an end to political violence, greater government accountability and responsible management of public resources.
It also called on security agencies to provide adequate protection for participants and ensure that the planned demonstration remains peaceful and orderly.
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