Nnamdi Kanu Insists Biafra Negotiations Must Include Independence Referendum

The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has insisted that any political discussion concerning Biafra must address a referendum on independence, ruling out negotiations that do not include the right of the people to determine their political future.

Kanu made his position known in an address to the American Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID) during the organisation’s annual convention held in Duluth, Georgia, United States, from October 9 to 11, 2026.

In the address, the IPOB leader maintained that a referendum must be at the centre of any discussions about the Biafran question. He rejected alternative political arrangements that, in his view, would leave the demand for self-determination unresolved.

“Referendum, or the unilateral pursuit of Biafran sovereignty. There is no middle ground,” Kanu stated in the address, according to reports.

He also declared that he would not negotiate what he described as the existence and future of his people without an opportunity for them to decide their political status through a free vote.

“I will not negotiate the existence of my people. I will not bargain our homeland into a committee. I will discuss referendum and nothing else,” he said.

Kanu Rejects Alternative Political Arrangements

Kanu argued that discussions focused on political appointments, restructuring or organising another political conference would not resolve the Biafran question unless they included a referendum.

He maintained that the central issue was whether the people concerned would have the opportunity to decide if they wanted to remain part of Nigeria or pursue independence.

“My subject is one subject: the right of Biafrans to say, in a free vote, whether they will live as a people under their own roof,” he said.

His position reinforces IPOB’s longstanding campaign for Biafran self-determination. The movement has advocated for the independence of a separate Biafran state, a demand that has remained contentious in Nigeria’s political and legal environment.

Kanu’s latest statement indicates that he is not prepared to accept a political settlement that does not directly address the referendum question. However, his position represents his stated demand and does not mean that the Nigerian government has agreed to hold such a referendum.

Appeals to Igbo Diaspora Groups

Beyond restating his position on independence, Kanu urged AVID and other organisations supporting his cause to continue advocating for his release and for the release of other people he described as unjustly detained.

He commended members of the organisation for their continued support, particularly its president, Dr Sylvester Onyia, whom he praised for attending court proceedings connected to his case.

Kanu also acknowledged the organisation’s engagement with British officials over concerns surrounding his detention and legal circumstances.

He encouraged members of the diaspora community to remain involved in efforts to draw international attention to the Biafran question. His appeal placed particular emphasis on continued advocacy, solidarity and support for those he believes have been unfairly detained.

The address was delivered under the theme “Maka Odi Nma Ndi Igbo,” which translates to “For the Good and Benefit of the Igbo People.”

Kanu also referred to Igbo Landing in Georgia, a historic site associated with an 1803 incident involving enslaved Igbo people. The location has since held symbolic significance in discussions about Igbo history, resistance and freedom.

Background to Kanu’s Case

Kanu’s demand comes amid the continuing legal and political controversy surrounding his leadership of IPOB and its campaign for Biafran independence.

He was convicted on terrorism-related charges in November 2025 and sentenced to life imprisonment, according to reports. His case has attracted significant attention from supporters, political groups and members of the Igbo diaspora.

The Nigerian government has opposed separatist efforts, while Kanu and his supporters have continued to argue for the right of the people they represent to determine their political future.

The question of self-determination remains politically sensitive because it involves Nigeria’s territorial integrity, constitutional framework, security concerns and the demands of groups seeking greater autonomy or independence.

A referendum on independence would raise important questions about its legal basis, the people eligible to participate, the process for conducting the vote and whether the Nigerian government would recognise its outcome.

Kanu’s latest address did not establish that a referendum had been approved or scheduled. Rather, it restated his position that such a vote must be central to any political settlement concerning Biafra.

Referendum Remains Central to His Demand

Kanu concluded his message by urging AVID and other supporters of the Biafran cause to sustain their advocacy.

He maintained that he would remain open to a referendum but would not accept an arrangement that excluded the question of Biafran sovereignty.

His declaration leaves the referendum demand at the centre of his stated position on possible negotiations. Whether the demand leads to any formal dialogue will depend on developments involving the relevant political actors, legal processes and the Nigerian government’s position.

For now, Kanu’s message to his supporters is that any meaningful discussion about Biafra’s political future must address the question of independence through a referendum.

Source: Sahara Reporters, with related reporting by The Whistler and other Nigerian news outlets.