Nnamdi Kanu reiterates referendum demand, rules out negotiations on Biafra

News, Politics

DULUTH, United States (NPA) — The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has reiterated his demand for a referendum on Biafra, declaring that he will not negotiate his demand for self-determination.

Kanu said his position remained unchanged despite his detention and imprisonment, insisting that a referendum was the only subject he was willing to discuss.

“I will discuss referendum and nothing else,” he said.

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He made the declaration in an address delivered to the American Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID) at its 2026 annual convention, held from October 9 to 11 in Duluth, Georgia, United States. The address dated September 30, 2026, obtained by Newpost Africa, was delivered through IPOB’s world headquarters in Langenfeld, Germany.

In the address, titled “Maka Odi Nma Ndi Igbo — For the Good and Benefit of the Igbo People,” personally signed by him, Kanu rejected proposals for discussions on political appointments, restructuring or further conferences, arguing that the central issue was the right of Biafrans to decide their political future through a free vote.

He described his objective as achieving a peaceful Biafran homeland, stressing that his demand was rooted in self-determination rather than revenge or disorder.

“I will not negotiate the existence of my people. I will not bargain our homeland into a committee,” he said.

Kanu Praises AVID’s Support

The IPOB leader commended AVID, its president, Dr Sylvester Onyia, and other supporters for standing by him during his detention and legal proceedings.

He specifically praised Onyia for attending court sittings and travelling to Abuja in support of his release, describing the efforts as acts of sacrifice and commitment.

Kanu also acknowledged the contributions of Rising Sun and Ambassadors for Self-Determination, urging the groups to sustain their support for his release and that of other Biafrans he described as unjustly detained.

He further praised AVID for writing to British officials, including the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary, as well as the United Kingdom High Commission in Nigeria, over his detention and legal case.

Kanu criticised the legal proceedings against him, alleging that his conviction was based on repealed laws and the reversal of an earlier acquittal.

Rejects Compromise on Biafra

Reaffirming his position on Biafran self-determination, Kanu said he would not accept any political arrangement that excluded a referendum.

“Referendum. That is the conversation. That is the settlement. That is the peace,” he declared.

He also referred to his previous arrests in Nigeria and his arrest in Kenya, describing the latter as a kidnapping and rendition.

Kanu said his time in solitary confinement had not weakened his resolve, adding that his ultimate objective remained what he called the total freedom of Biafra.

Addressing members of AVID, he urged them to continue advocating for self-determination through what he described as lawful and honourable means.

He also called on supporters to remain committed to the cause rather than leave the struggle to future generations.

“I am not available for any bargain that leaves Biafra unnamed. I am available for a referendum. I am available for the work of a free people,” he said.

Kanu offered prayers for the memory of those who had died in the struggle.