The separatist group says the pursuit of Biafran self-determination should not be interpreted as hatred for other ethnic nationalities, calling for an internationally supervised referendum on Nigeria’s political future.

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), led by detained separatist leader Nnamdi Kanu, has declared that “Hausa are our brothers” while expressing solidarity with Northern youths and other ethnic nationalities it says share concerns about oppression, injustice and political marginalisation in Nigeria.

The group also renewed its demand for an internationally supervised referendum to allow Nigerians and the country's constituent peoples to determine their political future, including whether they wish to remain within the Nigerian federation or pursue alternative political arrangements.

IPOB made its position known in a statement issued on Friday by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, on behalf of the group's Directorate of State (DOS).

The statement followed what IPOB described as a solidarity declaration by Northern youths and the Northern Nigeria Rescue Movement (NNRM).

According to the group, its position reflects the directive and longstanding message of Kanu, whom it identifies as its Supreme Leader.

Powerful said Kanu had consistently maintained that the struggle for the freedom of one people should not be interpreted as hostility towards another ethnic nationality.

“Onyendu’s message is clear, consistent, and universal: the pursuit of freedom for one people must never be interpreted as hatred for another,” the statement read.

IPOB said it therefore welcomed what it described as the growing political awareness among Hausa youths and other Northerners who, according to the group, recognise the need to confront injustice and question Nigeria's existing political structure.

IPOB Accuses Political Establishment Of Creating Ethnic Division

The separatist organisation accused the Nigerian government and individuals it described as opponents of self-determination of portraying Kanu as hostile to Northern ethnic nationalities.

IPOB argued that such portrayals were intended to create divisions between the Igbo and Hausa peoples and undermine potential cooperation among ethnic groups seeking political and economic reforms.

The group further claimed that Kanu had consistently expressed support for what it described as the emergence of an emancipated, politically conscious and self-assured Hausa nation during his broadcasts on Radio Biafra.

According to IPOB, the aspirations of the Biafran people and the Hausa nation are not mutually exclusive.

“The freedom of Biafrans and the emancipation of the Hausa nation are not mutually exclusive aspirations. No people should have to remain subordinate for another people to be free,” the group stated.

It maintained that ordinary Nigerians across ethnic and religious lines face common challenges arising from what it characterised as a corrupt and oppressive political system.

Powerful also claimed that Hausa youths in the North-West had demonstrated independent political judgment by questioning the country's existing political arrangements.

However, IPOB's characterisation of Nigeria's political structure and the motives it attributes to the government represent the group's position and were not independently established in the statement.

Group Renews Demand For Internationally Supervised Referendum

Beyond its message of solidarity with Northern youths, IPOB reiterated its demand for a referendum on self-determination, describing the process as a democratic mechanism through which peoples should determine their political future.

The group argued that Nigeria's diverse ethnic nationalities should have the opportunity to decide whether to remain within the existing federation, negotiate new political arrangements or pursue other constitutional options.

It also called for smaller ethnic groups to be given the opportunity to negotiate alliances, establish regional governance structures and determine arrangements that reflect their interests.

IPOB referenced the 2014 National Conference convened under former President Goodluck Jonathan, arguing that its proposals on restructuring and regional autonomy could provide principles for future political negotiations.

The group did not provide details in the statement about the proposed referendum's legal framework, eligibility requirements or the process through which an internationally supervised vote would be organised.

Its renewed demand nevertheless places the question of self-determination, restructuring and the future of Nigeria's federal system back at the centre of its political message.

IPOB Lists Ethnic Nationalities, Rejects Population-Based Political Inequality

The group also identified several ethnic nationalities whose political interests, it argued, should be recognised regardless of their population sizes.

Among those listed were the Hausa, Kanuri, Tiv, Berom, Nupe, Igala, Jukun, Angas, Bachama, Idoma, Ebira, Gbagyi, Tangale and Borgu.

IPOB maintained that population size should not determine whether an ethnic nationality has a meaningful voice in decisions affecting its future.

“Population density does not dictate human dignity,” the group stated.

“Every single ethnic nationality matters and deserves to have its voice heard on how they wish to live and govern themselves.”

The statement reflects IPOB's argument for a political arrangement in which ethnic nationalities have greater autonomy and opportunities to determine their governance preferences.

However, the practical implications of such proposals, including their relationship with Nigeria's constitutional framework and the rights of citizens who identify with multiple communities, remain important questions for wider public discussion.

Obasanjo's Comments On Colonial Political Structures Cited

IPOB also referred to former President Olusegun Obasanjo's criticism of governance systems inherited from colonial rule.

The group argued that African societies should develop political arrangements suited to their historical experiences, social realities and development needs rather than depend entirely on structures inherited from colonial administrations.

It said the reported mobilisation by Northern youths should encourage other ethnic nationalities across Nigeria to examine the country's political arrangements and engage in discussions about justice, representation and self-determination.

“Now that the youth of the North-West have boldly woken up to the truth and stood for justice, we hope and pray that all other ethnic nationalities across the country will also shake off the scales of deception,” IPOB stated.

The statement did not provide independent evidence establishing the extent of support for the position among Hausa youths or the wider Northern population.

Consequently, the group's description of the reported development as evidence of a broader political awakening should be understood as its own interpretation rather than a verified consensus among Northern communities.

Can Ethnic Solidarity Change Nigeria's Political Debate?

IPOB's declaration that “Hausa are our brothers” represents an attempt by the separatist group to distinguish its demand for Biafran self-determination from hostility towards other ethnic nationalities.

The statement also raises broader questions about whether Nigeria's political challenges should be addressed through constitutional restructuring, greater regional autonomy, improved representation or debates about self-determination.

For a country with numerous ethnic, linguistic and religious communities, these questions involve competing perspectives on national unity, historical grievances, resource distribution, security and the rights of constituent peoples.

While IPOB advocates an internationally supervised referendum, other Nigerians may favour reforms within the existing federation or alternative approaches to addressing perceived inequalities.

The legal, political and practical implications of any referendum or major restructuring initiative would require careful consideration, including questions of constitutional authority, participation, territorial arrangements and the protection of minority rights.

For now, IPOB says it remains committed to what it describes as the pursuit of genuine liberation, peace and mutual respect among Nigeria's indigenous ethnic nationalities.

Whether the group's message will translate into broader cooperation among political movements and ethnic communities remains to be seen.