US Advocacy Groups Reject IPOB–Boko Haram Comparison, Demand Kanu’s Release

A coalition of United States-based human rights and self-determination advocacy groups has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s recent comparison of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to Boko Haram, describing the remark as prejudicial and a threat to justice.

The joint statement, signed by Ambassador Sylvester Onye on behalf of AVID (Advocates for Victims of Injustice and Discrimination), Rising Sun, and Ambassadors for Self-Determination, condemned Tinubu’s words, stressing that the comment “is not only sub judice but also a blatant attempt to poison the atmosphere of justice, intimidate the judiciary, and prejudice ongoing proceedings.

The groups expressed disappointment that “a sitting president would make such a false and inflammatory statement while IPOB’s appeal is before the Supreme Court of Nigeria and while Mazi Nnamdi Kanu continues his legal battle before Justice James Omotosho at the Federal High Court.”

They described IPOB as “a non-violent self-determination movement” and urged Tinubu to focus instead on insecurity caused by violent groups across the country.

“Rather than obsessing over IPOB, Tinubu should direct his energy towards terrorists and armed bandits ravaging Nigerian farmlands, displacing communities, and taking lives with impunity,” the statement read.

The coalition accused successive Nigerian administrations of persecuting Kanu, arguing that such actions only increase his popularity.

“Envy and jealousy of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s popularity among his people will never silence him. Each additional day of his detention magnifies his stature and strengthens his bond with millions at home and abroad,” the groups declared.

They further invoked historical struggles, likening Kanu’s resilience to the sacrifices of past generations.

“History teaches us that the persecuted always outlive their persecutors. Mazi Nnamdi Kanu embodies the resilience of the Igbo nation. Just as the Eboe Landing martyrs chose honour over slavery, Kanu has chosen courage over submission,” the statement added.

The groups called on the United States Congress and the U.S. Department of State to press for greater transparency in Nigeria and to advocate for Kanu’s release.

“We urge the international community to condemn Tinubu’s reckless and prejudicial utterances against IPOB, demand the immediate and unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, and hold Nigeria’s ruling elite accountable for ethnic persecution disguised as national security,” they said.

Concluding, the coalition maintained that Kanu’s continued detention only strengthens his cause.

“President Tinubu has only proved one thing: the more IPOB is persecuted and Kanu detained, the stronger and more popular they both become. No prison walls, courtroom manipulations, or government propaganda can extinguish the light of truth.”

Meanwhile, the Nigerian government has upheld its proscription of IPOB, while Kanu’s legal team continues to press for his release, citing past court rulings in his favour.