IPOB leader says he will not negotiate Biafra's future outside a referendum, urges diaspora group to sustain support for his release
The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has reiterated his demand for a referendum on Biafra's self-determination, declaring that he would not negotiate any political arrangement that excludes the question of Biafran sovereignty.
Kanu made the position known in an address to the American Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID) during its annual convention held from October 9 to 11, 2026, in Duluth, Georgia, United States.
The convention was held under the theme, “Maka Odi Nma Ndi Igbo” (For the Good and Benefit of the Igbo People).
In the address, Kanu reaffirmed his commitment to the Biafra cause and expressed appreciation to AVID President, Dr. Sylvester Onyia, Dr. Godson Obiagwu, and other members of the organisation for their continued support.
Speaking from detention, Kanu said his incarceration had not weakened his commitment to the movement, adding that physical separation could not erase his gratitude to those who continued to advocate for his release.
Kanu Praises AVID's Support
The IPOB leader commended AVID for what he described as its consistency in supporting him and maintaining its position during internal challenges within the organisation.
He alleged that the Nigerian government had penetrated the Third Administration of IPOB's Directorate of State, resulting in the dissolution of the administration and the expulsion of individuals he accused of betraying the movement.
According to Kanu, AVID remained committed to his leadership during the period, maintaining that it would engage only with individuals appointed by him.
He described the organisation's position as an example of discipline, which he said was necessary for the Biafra struggle.
Kanu also commended Dr. Onyia for travelling to Abuja on several occasions to attend court proceedings during his detention and for accompanying him to hospital when he needed medical attention.
He described those efforts as sacrifices made in support of his freedom.
The IPOB leader further acknowledged the contributions of Rising Sun and Ambassadors for Self-Determination, describing the organisations as important sources of support during his incarceration.
He urged them to sustain their efforts towards securing his release and that of other Biafrans he described as unjustly detained.
Seeks Continued International Advocacy
Kanu praised AVID for taking his case beyond Nigeria through letters to British officials, including the United Kingdom Prime Minister, the Foreign Secretary and the British High Commission in Nigeria.
He said the organisation's engagement with British authorities was intended to draw international attention to his case, particularly his allegations concerning his abduction in Kenya, transfer to Nigeria and subsequent prosecution.
Kanu also referenced Dr. Onyia's attendance at several court sittings in pursuit of his release.
Criticising the handling of his case, the IPOB leader alleged that legal irregularities had undermined justice, arguing that proceedings involving repealed statutes and an earlier acquittal raised serious legal concerns.
He maintained that the legal proceedings against him should not be regarded as the final determination of the Biafra question.
Insists on Referendum as Only Option
Reaffirming his position on Biafra's self-determination, Kanu declared that a referendum or the unilateral pursuit of Biafran sovereignty remained the only acceptable options for him.
He rejected alternative political discussions centred on appointments, restructuring or conferences that, in his view, failed to address the fundamental question of Biafra's future.
“I will discuss referendum and nothing else,” Kanu stated in the address.
He said his objective was to allow Biafrans to decide through a free vote whether they wanted to live as a people under their own sovereign arrangement.
Kanu described his ultimate goal as establishing what he called a peaceful Biafran homeland, insisting that his demand was rooted in freedom, security and self-governance rather than revenge or disorder.
Recounts Arrests and Detention
In the address, Kanu recounted previous encounters with Nigerian authorities, stating that he was first arrested in 2005 at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.
He also referenced his arrest in Lagos in 2015 and his subsequent abduction in Kenya, which he described as a kidnapping rather than a lawful arrest.
According to him, these experiences reinforced his determination to pursue Biafran self-determination.
Kanu further said his years in detention, including periods of solitary confinement, had not changed his position on the movement's objectives.
He declared that he remained committed to what he described as the total freedom of Biafra and would not accept any agreement that excluded the territory's political future.
Urges Igbo Veterans to Support Self-Determination
Addressing members of AVID, Kanu urged the veterans to apply the principles of self-determination associated with the United States to their ancestral homeland.
He called on them to uphold the reputation of the Igbo people, support marginalised communities and continue advocating through what he described as lawful and honourable means for those detained over demands for a referendum.
Kanu also referenced the planned gathering at Igbo Landing, a historic site in the United States associated with the memory of enslaved Igbo people, describing it as a reminder of the Igbo people's resistance to enslavement.
He urged participants not to leave the Biafra struggle for future generations, warning against allowing fear and uncertainty to shape the future of their children.
Sends Message to AVID Convention
Concluding his address, Kanu thanked AVID, Dr. Onyia, Rising Sun and Ambassadors for Self-Determination for their continued support.
He urged the organisations and other Biafrans to remain committed to the campaign for his release and the release of other detained supporters.
Kanu maintained that he would not participate in negotiations that failed to recognise Biafra as the central issue, reiterating his willingness to engage in discussions focused on a referendum and the aspirations of a free people.
He ended the address with prayers for AVID, the memory of those who had died, and Biafra.
