Former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole has sharply criticized the demands for regime change being voiced by some protesters, claiming that they are using the ongoing hunger protests as a pretext for their political agenda.

In an interview with ARISE NEWS, Oshiomhole argued that while the protests initially focused on legitimate concerns about hunger and economic hardship, they have been hijacked by individuals pushing for an overhaul of the government. He emphasized that any push for regime change must adhere to constitutional processes and be pursued through elections.

Oshiomhole stated, “I did say that let nobody talk about peaceful protest. Whereas I recognize the right to peaceful protest, which I exploited, enjoyed, and practiced, I also said when you exercise that right to protest, you must also look at the demands.

A lot of these guys are only hiding under hunger. What they are actually asking for is regime change, and I said you cannot legally, lawfully, and peacefully demand regime change under the Nigerian constitution.”

He further addressed criticism directed at political figures such as Omoyele Sowore, a former presidential candidate who has been vocal in recent protests. Oshiomhole asserted that Sowore is the wrong person to push for the protest, as he would be misunderstood as acting out of the “grievances of his defeat” in the 2023 presidential election.

Oshiomhole contends that hunger protests are being used as a cover for those seeking regime change, emphasizing the importance of adhering to constitutional processes in effecting any government overhaul. The business of governance, he asserts, is not a tea party, and the path to change lies through elections, not upheaval.