Kanu also declared that individuals he accused of betraying the organisation had been dismissed and expelled from IPOB, insisting that the group needed discipline and loyalty to sustain its struggle for Biafran self-determination.
He 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.
The address, dated September 30, 2026, focused on the alleged infiltration of IPOB’s leadership, internal disagreements within the movement and the continued support of diaspora organisations campaigning for his release.
According to Kanu, the alleged penetration of the organisation’s leadership by the Nigerian government contributed to confusion among members and weakened confidence in some of its officials.
“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,” he stated.
“That administration has been dissolved. Those who betrayed the family have been sacked and expelled from the IPOB worldwide family.”
The allegations against the Nigerian government and the individuals Kanu accused of betrayal were presented in his address. No independent evidence establishing those claims was provided in the account.
Kanu Reorganises IPOB Leadership
Kanu’s latest remarks follow an organisational restructuring announced in June, when he dissolved IPOB’s long-standing Third Administration of the Directorate of State, citing what he described as “grave dereliction of duty” over the alleged abandonment of detained members.
Following the dissolution, he inaugurated a 27-member Fourth Administration and appointed United States-based Chris Nwaogu Mazi as its head.
Emma Powerful was retained as the movement’s chief spokesperson.
The restructuring took immediate effect and was announced in a statement signed by Powerful on Kanu’s behalf.
The changes were intended to address concerns about the organisation’s internal administration, restore discipline and rebuild confidence among members and supporters.
Kanu’s latest address suggests that questions surrounding leadership authority and internal loyalty remain central to the organisation’s affairs.
His decision to reiterate the dissolution of the Third Administration and the expulsion of individuals he accused of betrayal also underscores the continuing tensions within the movement.
Praises AVID for Maintaining Support
The IPOB leader commended AVID for what he described as its steadfast support during the alleged leadership crisis, praising the organisation for continuing to recognise his authority and that of officials appointed by him.
According to Kanu, AVID remained loyal to his leadership despite the confusion he said had affected other parts of 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.
He further praised the organisation for declaring that it would engage only with individuals appointed by him, describing the position as an expression of discipline and commitment.
“You said you would engage only those I appoint. That is discipline. Veterans understand discipline. Biafra needs that discipline,” Kanu stated.
His comments highlight the importance he attaches to the support of diaspora organisations, particularly groups that have continued to advocate for his release and promote the cause of Biafran self-determination.
AVID has been among the organisations identified in his address as maintaining support for him during his detention.
Kanu Commends AVID President
Kanu also singled out AVID President, Dr Sylvester Onyia, for what he described as personal sacrifices and sustained efforts to support him during his detention.
He said Onyia had repeatedly travelled to Abuja to attend court proceedings and had accompanied him to 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 involvement as evidence of personal commitment to his welfare and the wider Biafran cause.
Kanu also acknowledged the contributions of Rising Sun and Ambassadors for Self-Determination, identifying both organisations as important sources of support during his detention.
“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 maintain their advocacy for his release and continue campaigning for other people 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,” he added.
Rejects Negotiations Without Referendum
Beyond the internal leadership issues, Kanu used the address to restate his position on negotiations concerning the Biafran question.
He rejected political arrangements that, in his view, would fail to address the demand for Biafran independence or provide a clear pathway to self-determination.
Kanu maintained that he would only participate in discussions that directly addressed a referendum or the pursuit of Biafran sovereignty.
“I am not available for any bargain that leaves Biafra unnamed,” he declared.
“I am available for a referendum.”
The statement reinforces his position that a referendum should form the basis of any meaningful political process addressing the demand for Biafran self-determination.
His remarks also indicate that his position on negotiations remains tied to the question of sovereignty rather than arrangements that leave Nigeria’s existing constitutional structure unchanged.
Internal Discipline and the Biafran Campaign
Kanu’s address combines allegations of government infiltration with a renewed appeal for unity among supporters and diaspora organisations.
By emphasising the dissolution of the Third Administration, the establishment of the Fourth Administration and the expulsion of individuals he accused of betrayal, he sought to reaffirm his authority over IPOB’s organisational structure.
His praise for AVID and other supporting groups also reflects the continuing significance of diaspora advocacy to the movement’s campaign for his release.
However, the allegations of infiltration and betrayal remain claims made by Kanu, while the precise circumstances surrounding the alleged activities of those he accused were not independently established in the address.
The latest development places IPOB’s internal administration, the loyalty of its supporters and the question of Biafran self-determination back in focus as Kanu continues to press for his release and calls for a referendum on the region’s political future.
