The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has declared its solidarity with Hausa people and other ethnic nationalities in Northern Nigeria, insisting that its agitation for self-determination is not driven by ethnic hatred or regional hostility.
In a press statement issued by its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, the group said its position followed a reported solidarity declaration by Northern youths and the Northern Nigeria Rescue Movement (NNRM).
According to IPOB, the statement was issued by its Directorate of State (DOS) on the directive of its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
The group maintained that the struggle for freedom and self-determination should promote unity among ethnic nationalities rather than deepen divisions.
IPOB said Kanu had consistently advocated the political emancipation of different ethnic groups, including the Hausa people, through his Radio Biafra broadcasts.
"The pursuit of freedom for one people must never be interpreted as hatred for another," the statement read.
The group accused political interests of attempting to portray Kanu's agitation as hostile to Northern communities, describing such narratives as efforts to divide Nigerians along ethnic and religious lines.
IPOB further argued that ordinary citizens across the country face similar challenges, including poverty, injustice and political marginalisation, regardless of their ethnic backgrounds.
IPOB Calls for Referendum
Reiterating its demand for self-determination, IPOB called for a peaceful, internationally supervised referendum to allow ethnic nationalities to determine their political futures.
The group insisted that every indigenous nationality, regardless of population size, should have the opportunity to decide its preferred system of governance.
It specifically mentioned the Hausa, Kanuri, Tiv, Nupe, Igala, Jukun, Idoma, Ebira, Gbagyi and several other ethnic groups as communities whose political aspirations should be respected.
According to the statement, smaller ethnic nationalities should also be free to negotiate voluntary political alliances, regional autonomy or federal arrangements that protect their interests.
IPOB referenced recommendations from Nigeria's 2014 National Conference under former President Goodluck Jonathan, arguing that restructuring and regional autonomy could provide alternative governance arrangements.
The separatist group also criticised Nigeria's colonial foundations, claiming that governance structures inherited from British colonial rule have contributed to the country's political challenges.
IPOB Welcomes Northern Youths' Position
Reacting to the reported position of Northern youths, IPOB described their declaration as a demonstration of growing political awareness.
The group maintained that ethnic communities should not regard one another as enemies but should instead pursue peaceful solutions to shared political and economic challenges.
"The Hausa people are our brothers," IPOB stated, adding that its organisation supports mutual respect, dignity and equal rights for all ethnic nationalities.
It urged other communities across Nigeria to engage in discussions about self-determination, political restructuring and governance.
IPOB concluded by reaffirming its commitment to what it described as the peaceful pursuit of freedom, justice and mutual respect among indigenous peoples.
The claims about the Northern Nigeria Rescue Movement's declaration and Kanu's directive were presented in IPOB's statement and have not been independently verified.
