The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has renewed its demand for a referendum on Biafran self-determination, while calling for the release of its detained leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
The organisation made the demands in its weekly address delivered on Sunday, October 18, 2026, by Mazi Chris Nwaọgụ, Head of the Fourth Administration of IPOB's Directorate of State (DOS).
In the address, titled “The Universal Dawn of Freedom — A Referendum for All, Not an Election for the Few,” IPOB called on indigenous ethnic nationalities across Nigeria to seek greater political autonomy and the right to determine their future.
The group also welcomed what it described as a solidarity declaration by the Northern Nigeria Rescue Movement (NNRM) and youths in the North-West, claiming that the development reflected growing recognition that ordinary Igbo and Hausa people should not be regarded as enemies.
IPOB Welcomes Northern Solidarity
Nwaọgụ said the organisation embraced the Hausa, Kanuri, Tiv, Nupe, Igala, Jukun, Bachama, Idoma, Berom, Gbagyi, Ebira and other ethnic nationalities in Northern Nigeria.
According to the address, IPOB believes that the struggle for Biafran self-determination should not be interpreted as hostility towards other ethnic groups.
The organisation maintained that ordinary citizens across the country face common challenges, including insecurity, economic hardship, political marginalisation and poor governance.
It also argued that the freedom of Biafrans and the political emancipation of other ethnic nationalities were not mutually exclusive.
However, the reported declaration by the NNRM and Northern youths was not independently verified for this report.
Group Questions Nigeria's Electoral System
IPOB criticised Nigeria's electoral system, arguing that elections alone had failed to address the underlying concerns of communities seeking greater political representation and self-government.
The organisation questioned why political participation continued to revolve around access to the presidency and other central government positions rather than the ability of ethnic nationalities to determine their own affairs.
It specifically referenced communities such as the Hausa, Jukun, Bachama, Itsekiri, Esan, Ebira, Kanuri, Tiv, Idoma, Igala and Ijaw in its argument for broader political inclusion.
The group said different communities should be allowed to choose their preferred arrangements, which could include a restructured federation, regional autonomy or other political options.
IPOB reiterated that its own objective was to allow the people of Biafra to determine their future through what it described as a free, fair and credible referendum.
IPOB Renews Demand for Nnamdi Kanu's Release
The organisation also repeated its demand for the immediate and unconditional release of Kanu, using religious imagery to describe his continued detention as an injustice with wider consequences for Nigeria.
The address linked the country's security and economic challenges to what IPOB described as structural failures in governance.
These statements represent the organisation's political and religious interpretation of current events and were not independently established as factual cause-and-effect relationships.
IPOB also called on the Nigerian judiciary to list and hear Kanu's pending appeal, alleging that the proceedings had been delayed for months.
The group argued that prolonged delays in hearing an appeal undermine confidence in the administration of justice.
It urged the courts to hear the case and deliver a decision in accordance with the law.
IPOB Distinguishes Northern Communities From Armed Groups
In the address, IPOB stressed that its position was not directed against ordinary Hausa or Fulani people.
The organisation said responsibility for violence should be attributed to specific armed groups, individuals and alleged sponsors rather than entire ethnic or religious communities.
It condemned attacks on innocent people and argued that military action alone would not resolve Nigeria's security challenges without broader political and governance reforms.
The group also maintained that foreign military strikes could not substitute for addressing the underlying causes of insecurity.
Organisation Reaffirms Boycott Position
IPOB urged its supporters and allies to remain peaceful, disciplined and focused on its stated objectives.
The address reaffirmed the organisation's boycott position and called on supporters to continue backing its legal team and other structures.
Nwaọgụ concluded by reiterating the group's demand for Kanu's release and a referendum, describing self-determination as a fundamental right.
The address comes amid continuing debates over Nigeria's constitutional structure, regional autonomy, insecurity and the political future of communities seeking greater control over their affairs.
This report is based on the weekly address issued by Mazi Chris Nwaọgụ on behalf of IPOB's Directorate of State. Claims and allegations in the address have been attributed to the organisation and were not independently verified unless otherwise stated.