PRESS RELEASE BY THE INDIGENOUS PEOPLE OF IGBO NATION FOR SOUTH EAST SELF-DETERMINATION (IPINS) AND THE IGBO-BIAFRA NATIONALISTS (IBN)
Sunday, May 4, 2025
RE: DEPUTY SPEAKER BENJAMIN KALU’S “IGBO’LL GIVE TINUBU OVER 70% VOTES IN 2027” — AN INSULT TO HISTORY, CONSCIENCE, AND THE SACRIFICES OF IGBO-BIAFRA
The Indigenous People of Igbo Nation for South East Self-determination (IPINS) and the Igbo-Biafra Nationalists (IBN) strongly condemn the recent reckless, unguarded, and grossly insensitive statement credited to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Benjamin Kalu, wherein he arrogantly declared that the Igbo people “will give President Bola Tinubu over 70% of the votes in 2027” — a claim that is as absurd as it is detached from the realities and aspirations of the Igbo-Biafra Nation.
We consider this ill-advised pronouncement a shameless attempt to mortgage the collective pain, memory, and legitimate quest for political and economic justice of the Igbo people on the altar of political patronage and selfish ambition. Benjamin Kalu, by his utterances, has placed himself in direct conflict with the Igbo masses and their quest for true self-determination, justice, and recognition in the Nigerian federation.
1. FALSE EQUIVALENCE OF SOUTH EAST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (SEDC) WITH THE 3Rs (RECONSTRUCTION, REHABILITATION & RECONCILIATION)
It is an insult to the millions of Biafran lives lost and displaced during the genocidal 1967–1970 war to suggest that the mere *signing of the SEDC bill*—a superficial and politically motivated act—constitutes the fulfillment of Gowon’s 3Rs.
We ask: where is the comprehensive federal rehabilitation of Igbo communities devastated during the war? Where is the true national reconciliation? What rural infrastructure or rehabilitation has the so-called SEDC brought? This Commission was not a product of public demand or self-determination advocacy, but a backdoor political stunt — and it lacks the legitimacy and depth to address the real wounds of the war.
2. IGBO VOTES ARE NOT FOR SALE
Kalu’s promise of “70 to 80% Igbo votes” to President Tinubu is both undemocratic and delusional. The Igbo people are politically sophisticated and do not operate as a herd under any man’s command.
This attempt to railroad Ndigbo into endorsing a government that has done little to address our structural marginalization, insecurity, infrastructural decay, and economic deprivation is nothing short of betrayal.
3. LIES ABOUT PRESIDENT TINUBU “LOVING” NDIGBO
What love has President Tinubu shown Ndigbo? Is it the continued marginalization in key federal appointments? Is it the silence over the daily militarization and humiliation of young Igbo men in the South East? Is it the economic strangulation of Igbo businesses across Nigerian borders?
We reject Kalu’s attempts to rebrand subjugation as affection. Love is not propaganda — it is shown in policy, equity, and justice.
4. INSULT TO THE MEMORY OF BIAFRA AND THE QUEST FOR IGBO PRESIDENCY
Rather than support the just demand for a democratically-elected Igbo President in 2027 — a cause that should rally every true Igbo patriot — Mr. Kalu is busy making empty promises to re-elect a president from the South West.
Let it be clear: we are not beggars for infrastructure; we are heirs to a legacy of dignity, justice, and freedom. Only a full Igbo Presidency, or a referendum for self-determination, is the true political remedy — not handouts dressed as development commissions.
5. TRADITIONAL RULERS AND STATE GOVERNORS ARE NOT SUBJECT TO FEDERAL STOOGES
Mr. Kalu’s attack on Abia State officials and traditional rulers for allegedly resisting federal interference is a classic case of federal arrogance. The autonomy of our traditional institutions must be respected. They are custodians of culture, not political puppets.
OUR STAND:
The Igbo-Biafra Nationalists (IBN) and the Indigenous People of Igbo Nation for Self-determination (IPINS) affirm the following:
* We reject the political misrepresentation by Mr. Benjamin Kalu.
* We reaffirm that *the Igbo Presidency* in 2027 remains a minimum demand in the Nigerian project — or we revert fully to the self-determination option.
* We call on all true sons and daughters of Igbo-Biafra to distance themselves from political opportunists seeking to sell our future for crumbs.
History will not be kind to those who trample on the bones of our martyrs to dance for power.
Signed:
Edoziuno Chukwunonso
Spokesperson,
Indigenous People of Igbo Nation for South East Self-determination (IPINS),
Igbo-Biafra Nationalists (IBN)
