Two United States-based self-determination advocacy groups have called on the Nigerian Government to recognise the right to self-determination through a referendum, arguing that demands for political independence should be addressed through democratic processes rather than criminal prosecution.
The groups, Avid Rising Sun and Ambassadors for Self-Determination, also demanded the immediate release of detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, citing concerns about his health and fundamental human rights.
Their position was contained in a joint statement issued on Thursday and signed by Dr Sylvester Onyia, Mazi Evans Nwankwo and Dede Maxwell.
The activists questioned what they described as Nigeria’s treatment of self-determination advocates, arguing that peaceful calls for a referendum should not automatically be treated as criminal acts.
They pointed to recent political debates in the United Kingdom over Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, where political leaders have renewed calls for their respective nations to determine their constitutional futures.
“If the United Kingdom can allow open debate and parliamentary votes on self-determination in 2026, by what twisted logic does Nigeria criminalise the same demand?” the groups queried.
They called for a referendum to be recognised as a constitutional right, insisting that citizens should be allowed to express their political aspirations through democratic means.
The groups also raised concerns about Kanu’s health in detention, alleging that he was not receiving adequate medical attention. They called for his urgent medical evacuation and urged the Nigerian authorities to safeguard his rights.
They further appealed to the British Government to intervene, noting Kanu’s British citizenship and asking it to seek explanations from Nigeria regarding his treatment and prosecution.
The statement also expressed concern over delays in the hearing of Kanu’s appeal against his conviction and life sentence on terrorism-related charges.
The activists maintained that Nigeria should create room for peaceful discussions about its political future while ensuring that the rights of individuals involved in such campaigns are respected.
Their intervention has renewed debate over self-determination, constitutional rights and the treatment of separatist movements in Nigeria.
