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 Ogbonna Nwifuru, on Monday, November 9, 2026.
The planned demonstration is expected to take place simultaneously in Abakaliki, Abuja and Lagos, with 56 NGOs and 39 CSOs reportedly set to participate.
The coalition leader, Dr Ibiam Oko Ibiam, disclosed this in a press statement made available to journalists, saying the protest was aimed at drawing national and international attention to alleged human rights abuses, politically motivated killings, electoral violence and mismanagement of public funds in the state.
Ibiam called on Ebonyi residents, regardless of their political affiliations, to join the demonstration, which he described as a collective effort to demand accountability and protect the interests of the people.
He also questioned Governor Nwifuru’s handling of the responsibilities of his office, particularly the constitutional obligation to protect lives and property and promote the welfare of citizens.
The activist specifically raised concerns 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.
He further referenced other reported assassination incidents in Ezza South Local Government Area, describing the situation as alarming and calling for urgent intervention by security agencies.
On public expenditure, Ibiam accused the state government of prioritising entertainment, hospitality and political spending over essential sectors such as education and healthcare.
He questioned the alleged procurement of luxury SUVs for female political office holders, as well as reported spending on expensive champagne, cash donations and other forms of political largesse.
Citing figures covering January to September 2026, the coalition leader claimed 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 alleged expenditure with the approximately ₦9.3 billion reportedly allocated to education and primary healthcare, demanding explanations from the government over its spending priorities.
Ibiam also expressed concern over the state’s borrowing profile, warning that rising debt obligations could place additional pressure on projected revenue and threaten its financial stability.
According to the statement, the planned protest locations include Abakaliki, Louis Edet House in Abuja and the American Embassy area in Lagos.
The coalition urged human rights advocates, labour unions, youth organisations and other stakeholders to participate in the demonstration, insisting that its demands centre on accountability, protection of human rights, an end to political violence and responsible management of public resources.
It also called on security agencies to provide adequate protection for participants and ensure that the protest remains peaceful and orderly.
