Former Vice President of Nigeria, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has strongly opposed the growing calls for Igbos to leave Lagos and other South-West states, describing the rhetoric as "deeply troubling" and "divisive". The calls, trending on social media under the hashtag #IgboMustGo, have sparked widespread concern and fear among the Igbo community.

Atiku, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), urged the Nigerian government and relevant authorities to take immediate action against those inciting hatred and division. He emphasized the need to investigate, arrest, and prosecute individuals promoting ethnic discrimination and violence.

The former VP warned that such rhetoric could lead to devastating consequences, citing the example of Rwanda. He stressed that Nigeria's strength lies in its diversity and called on all Nigerians to stand united against divisive rhetoric, championing unity, tolerance, and understanding.

Atiku expressed alarm at the government's silence on the matter, urging swift action to protect the fundamental principle of every Nigerian's right to live and work freely anywhere in the country.