The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has declared its solidarity with the Hausa people and other ethnic nationalities in Northern Nigeria, insisting that its agitation for self-determination is not motivated by ethnic hatred or hostility towards any region.
The group made its position known in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, following 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 organisation maintained that the pursuit of freedom and self-determination should encourage mutual respect among ethnic nationalities rather than deepen existing divisions.
IPOB Says Biafra Struggle Is Not Against Northern Nigeria
In the statement, IPOB said Kanu had consistently advocated the political emancipation of different ethnic groups, including the Hausa people, through his broadcasts on Radio Biafra.
“The pursuit of freedom for one people must never be interpreted as hatred for another,” the statement read.
The group accused certain political interests of portraying Kanu’s agitation as hostile to Northern communities, describing such narratives as attempts to divide Nigerians along ethnic and religious lines.
IPOB argued that ordinary citizens across Nigeria face similar challenges, including poverty, injustice and political marginalisation, irrespective of their ethnic backgrounds.
It maintained that communities seeking greater political freedom should not automatically be regarded as enemies of one another.
IPOB Renews Call for a Referendum
Reiterating its demand for self-determination, IPOB called for a peaceful, internationally supervised referendum to enable ethnic nationalities to determine their political futures.
The organisation argued that every indigenous nationality, regardless of population size, should have the opportunity to express its preferred system of governance.
It specifically mentioned the Hausa, Kanuri, Tiv, Nupe, Igala, Jukun, Idoma, Ebira and Gbagyi communities, among others, as ethnic groups whose political aspirations should be respected.
According to the statement, smaller nationalities should also have the freedom to negotiate voluntary political alliances, regional autonomy or federal arrangements that protect their interests.
The group presented self-determination as a political question that should be addressed through peaceful engagement rather than ethnic confrontation.
Group References 2014 National Conference Recommendations
IPOB also referenced recommendations from the 2014 National Conference convened under former President Goodluck Jonathan, arguing that restructuring and regional autonomy could provide alternative governance arrangements for Nigeria.
The group criticised the country’s colonial foundations, claiming that political structures inherited from British colonial rule had contributed to persistent governance challenges.
It argued that discussions about restructuring should take into account the concerns of different ethnic nationalities, particularly communities seeking greater autonomy and representation.
However, the specific governance arrangements proposed in the statement reflect IPOB’s position and would require broader political and constitutional discussions to become policy.
IPOB Welcomes Reported Position of Northern Youths
Reacting to the reported declaration by Northern youths and the Northern Nigeria Rescue Movement, IPOB described the development as a sign of growing political awareness.
The group urged ethnic communities across the country to reject hostility and instead pursue peaceful solutions to shared political and economic challenges.
“The Hausa people are our brothers,” IPOB stated, reaffirming what it described as its commitment to mutual respect, dignity and equal rights for all ethnic nationalities.
The organisation called on other communities to participate in discussions about self-determination, political restructuring and governance.
It maintained that the political aspirations of one ethnic group should not automatically be interpreted as a threat to another.
Group Reaffirms Commitment to Peaceful Self-Determination
Concluding its statement, IPOB reaffirmed its commitment to what it described as the peaceful pursuit of freedom, justice and mutual respect among indigenous peoples.
The organisation maintained that ethnic nationalities should be able to discuss their political futures without being divided by ethnic or religious differences.
It also called for greater recognition of the political aspirations of communities across Nigeria, arguing that peaceful dialogue and respect for the rights of different groups should guide discussions about the country’s future.
The claims concerning the Northern Nigeria Rescue Movement’s declaration and the directive attributed to Nnamdi Kanu were presented in IPOB’s statement and have not been independently verified.
The reported development adds another dimension to the ongoing debate over self-determination, restructuring and the political future of Nigeria’s diverse ethnic nationalities.
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