Why IPOB cannot win — Arewa

The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) has declared that the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), led by Nnamdi Kanu, would fail if a referendum were conducted to determine the fate of Biafra.

According to AYCF National President, Yerima Shettima, the majority of Igbos prefer to remain as part of Nigeria rather than secede to form a sovereign state.

Speaking with the DAILY POST, Shettima criticized the Biafra agitation, claiming it has been hijacked by criminal elements. He did, however, acknowledge that some Igbos are legitimately agitating for fairness, equity, and justice.

“As a Nigerian, I know that IPOB can’t win a referendum today because an average Igbo man wants to remain a Nigerian. All they are demanding is justice, equity, and fair play,” Shettima said.

He emphasized that if a referendum were held within the Southeast, the majority of Igbos would vote against secession. “If there is a referendum within the Southeast, I’m sure they will lose because the majority of Igbos want to be Nigerians, apart from a few individuals who are agitating for reasons best known to them,” he explained.

Shettima pointed out that fear prevents many Igbos from openly expressing their opposition to the Biafra agitation.

“I won’t tell you that most Igbos believe in the agitation, but out of fear, they won’t speak out; they are scared. They are afraid of certain people,” he stated.

Despite this, he acknowledged that the Biafran voice would be heard in a referendum, but ultimately, the majority would prevail.

“I can tell you that if there is a referendum today, the Biafran voice will be heard, but the majority will have their way at the end of the day,” Shettima concluded.

Nnamdi Kanu, who is leading the Biafra agitation under the banner of the IPOB, has been detained by the Department of State Services (DSS) since his rearrest in Kenya and subsequent repatriation to Nigeria in June 2021. Despite being granted bail by the courts, the Nigerian Government has refused to release the IPOB leader.

While in detention, Kanu has cautioned against the killings and general insecurity in the Southeast, urging his followers to maintain peace.