U.S. Group Condemns Igbo Leaders For Allegedly Abandoning Nnamdi Kanu

A United States–based advocacy organization, Ambassadors for Self Determination USA, has criticized political leaders from Nigeria’s South-East region over what it described as a lack of visible effort to address the conviction of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

In a statement released from Washington, D.C. on Friday its Chairman, Mazi Evans Nwankwo the group expressed concern that recent engagements involving Igbo governors and other political figures did not place sufficient emphasis on Kanu’s case or on broader political and social grievances affecting the region.

According to the organization, the absence of a coordinated regional position has weakened advocacy efforts and reduced pressure on the federal government to reconsider its approach.

The group’s position followed public remarks by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, regarding the federal government’s stance on separatist agitations. Ambassadors for Self Determination USA interpreted those remarks as an indication that the administration of President Bola Tinubu remains firm in opposing Biafra-related demands and is not inclined to alter its current policies.

The organization argued that political office holders from the South-East, both at the federal and state levels, have not taken sufficiently visible steps to advocate for Kanu’s release or to present a unified front on issues of regional concern.

It suggested that internal political divisions and competing ambitions among political elites have contributed to the lack of a consistent strategy.

The statement also touched on governance challenges in parts of the South-East, including economic disruptions associated with recurring protests and sit-at-home actions. While acknowledging the difficulty of balancing public order with economic activity, the group maintained that decisions taken without broad public consensus have increased tensions between authorities and sections of the population.

Ambassadors for Self Determination USA called on residents of the region to pursue non-violent and strategic civic engagement and to reassess political leadership choices ahead of future elections.

The organization emphasized that progress on issues related to self-determination and political inclusion would depend on internal unity, accountable leadership, and sustained dialogue rather than reliance on external intervention.

The group reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful advocacy and support for lawful efforts to address long-standing political grievances in the region.