Two pro-self-determination groups, AVID and Ambassadors for Self-Determination, have urged the Federal Government to recognise a referendum as a democratic right, arguing that demands for self-determination should not be criminalised.

The groups also called for the immediate release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, and his medical evacuation for treatment, alleging that his health was being neglected in detention.

In a joint statement dated October 21, 2026, and signed by Dr Sylvester Onyia of AVID, Mazi Evans Nwankwo of Rising Sun, and Dede Maxwell, the groups questioned what they described as Nigeria’s criminalisation of demands for self-determination.

Citing developments they said had occurred in the United Kingdom, the organisations argued that Nigeria should allow open debate on self-determination and establish a constitutional framework for a referendum.

They maintained that the right of a people to determine their political future should be pursued through democratic processes rather than treated as a criminal act.

The groups also criticised the British government over what they described as its inadequate response to Kanu’s continued detention, legal challenges and alleged health concerns, noting that he is a British citizen.

They accused the UK government of failing to do enough to protect his rights and urged it to intervene over his legal and medical circumstances.

The organisations further called for an end to Kanu’s detention, insisting that his advocacy for a referendum should not, in itself, be treated as a crime.

According to the statement, Kanu’s agitation is aimed at promoting justice, equity and true federalism, while allowing people to determine their political future if efforts to achieve those ideals within Nigeria prove unsuccessful.

The groups urged Nigerians to reject what they described as governance through fear and called for full respect for Kanu’s fundamental human rights.

They argued that detaining advocates would not extinguish demands for self-determination, reiterating their call for a referendum and urging the Nigerian authorities to allow the people to determine their political future. (Vanguard)