Nnamdi Kanu Accuses Nigerian Govt Of Infiltrating IPOB Leadership, Says Betrayers Expelled

Kanu made the allegations in an address to the American Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID) at its annual convention in Duluth, Georgia, United States, held from October 9 to 11, 2026.

The imprisoned leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has accused the Nigerian government of infiltrating the organisation’s leadership, claiming that the third administration of its Directorate of State has been dissolved and members he accused of betrayal expelled.

Kanu made the allegations in an address to the American Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID) at its annual convention in Duluth, Georgia, United States, held from October 9 to 11, 2026.

In the address dated September 30, 2026, the IPOB leader said the alleged infiltration of the organisation’s leadership had created confusion among its members.

He said the administration had subsequently been dissolved and those he accused of betraying the movement removed from the organisation.

“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.”

In June, Kanu dissolved the group’s long-standing Third Administration of the Directorate of State (DOS), citing “grave dereliction of duty” over the abandonment of detained members. He immediately inaugurated a new, 27-member Fourth Administration, appointing US-based Chris Nwaogu Mazi as its head. The move was intended to rebuild public confidence and restore organizational discipline. 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 IPOB leader also praised AVID for maintaining its allegiance to him during the alleged internal crisis, saying the organisation had continued to recognise his authority and that of officials appointed by him.

“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 added that the organisation had publicly declared that it would engage only with individuals appointed by him.

“You said you would engage only those I appoint. That is discipline. Veterans understand discipline. Biafra needs that discipline,” Kanu stated.

His remarks suggest that the question of leadership authority remains important to his relationship with diaspora supporters, particularly organisations that have continued to advocate for his release.

Kanu also praised AVID president Dr Sylvester Onyia for what he described as his personal sacrifices in supporting him during detention.

He said Onyia had travelled to Abuja repeatedly 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 efforts as a demonstration of loyalty and commitment to the Biafran cause.

Kanu also identified Rising Sun and Ambassadors for Self-Determination as organisations that had supported him and the wider movement 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.

He urged the organisations to continue supporting his campaign for release and advocating for other people he described as Biafrans detained unjustly.

“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 stated.

The address also contained a renewed rejection of political negotiations that do not address Biafran independence.

Kanu insisted that he would only participate in discussions centred on a referendum or the pursuit of Biafran sovereignty.

“I am not available for any bargain that leaves Biafra unnamed,” he said.