The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has accused the Nigerian government of infiltrating the organisation’s leadership, announcing that the group’s Third Administration of the Directorate of State (DOS) has been dissolved and individuals he accused of betraying the movement have been expelled.
Kanu made the allegations in an address to the American Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID) during its annual convention held in Duluth, Georgia, United States, from October 9 to 11, 2026.
In the address, dated September 30, 2026, the IPOB leader alleged that the Nigerian government’s purported infiltration of the organisation’s leadership had triggered confusion within its ranks, prompting a restructuring of its leadership and the removal of individuals he accused of working against the movement.
“When the Nigerian government succeeded in penetrating the Third Administration of our Directorate of State, many who once spoke loudly fell silent, or worse, became instruments of confusion,” Kanu stated.
“That administration has been dissolved. Those who betrayed the family have been sacked and expelled from the IPOB worldwide family.”
His remarks come amid a leadership restructuring within IPOB, which announced the dissolution of its long-standing Third Administration of the Directorate of State in June.
At the time, Kanu cited what he described as “grave dereliction of duty,” particularly concerning the alleged abandonment of detained members of the organisation.
Following the dissolution, he inaugurated a new 27-member Fourth Administration and appointed United States-based Chris Nwaogu Mazi as its head. The restructuring was presented as an effort to restore organisational discipline, rebuild confidence among members and address concerns about the previous administration’s performance.
Emma Powerful was retained as the group’s chief spokesperson.
The restructuring took immediate effect and was announced in a statement signed by Powerful on Kanu’s behalf.
In his latest address, Kanu also praised AVID for what he described as its unwavering loyalty to his leadership during the alleged internal crisis, saying the organisation had continued to recognise his authority and that of officials appointed by him.
According to him, AVID remained committed to his leadership despite the confusion he alleged had affected the movement.
“In that storm, AVID did not wander. You recognised only one command: the command of the people through the office I still hold,” he said.
Kanu further commended the organisation for publicly declaring that it would engage only with individuals appointed by him, describing the position as an example of the discipline he believes is necessary for the Biafran movement.
“You said you would engage only those I appoint. That is discipline. Veterans understand discipline. Biafra needs that discipline,” he stated.
The remarks underscore the importance Kanu continues to attach to the question of leadership authority within IPOB, particularly among diaspora organisations that have maintained their support for his cause while he remains in detention.
He also singled out AVID president, Dr Sylvester Onyia, for praise over what he described as personal sacrifices and sustained efforts to support him during his detention.
Kanu said Onyia had repeatedly travelled to Abuja to attend court proceedings and had accompanied him to the hospital during periods of ill health.
“You did not advocate from a safe distance. You travelled to Abuja again and again while I was held in solitary confinement. You sat through court sittings that were designed to exhaust hope. You walked with me to hospital when my body was being used as another cell,” Kanu said.
He described Onyia’s actions as evidence of personal commitment, loyalty and dedication to the Biafran cause, adding that the AVID president had continued to stand by him despite the challenges surrounding his detention.
Kanu also acknowledged the contributions of Rising Sun and Ambassadors for Self-Determination, identifying both organisations as important sources of support for him and the wider movement during his incarceration.
“AVID, together with Rising Sun and Ambassadors for Self-Determination, has been a pillar under my well-being when other pillars were kicked away,” he said.
The IPOB leader urged the organisations to sustain their advocacy for his release and continue campaigning for the release of other individuals he described as Biafrans unjustly detained.
“I expect you to continue that unflinching support for my release and for the release of every Biafran locked up unjustly. Do not grow weary. The work is not finished,” Kanu stated.
Beyond the internal leadership dispute, Kanu used the address to restate his position on negotiations concerning the Biafran question, rejecting any political arrangement that does not explicitly address the demand for Biafran independence.
He maintained that he would only participate in discussions focused on a referendum or the pursuit of Biafran sovereignty, ruling out what he described as a bargain that leaves the question of Biafra unresolved.
“I am not available for any bargain that leaves Biafra unnamed,” he said.
“I am available for a referendum.”
His position signals a continued insistence that any meaningful political engagement over the Biafran question must address the issue of self-determination rather than pursue an agreement that excludes the possibility of a referendum.
The latest address combines allegations of government interference in IPOB’s internal affairs, a defence of Kanu’s authority over the organisation, appreciation for diaspora supporters and a renewed demand for a referendum on Biafran self-determination.
However, Kanu’s claims of government infiltration and betrayal within the organisation were allegations made in his address. The address, as provided, did not include an independent account substantiating those claims or a response from the Nigerian government.