:Biafra Referendum

{{Short description|A poll that determined the declaration of the restoration of Biafra's independence.}}

{{Infobox referendum

|declared=

|date=1 February—28 November 2024

|name=Biafra self-referendum

|title=Do you approve this proposed declaration of the restoration of the independent state of Biafra, to reestablish the lost sovereign nation of Biafra from Nigeria, which will be called the United States of Biafra (USB)?{{cite web | url=https://www.peoplesdailyng.com/simon-ekpa-asks-nigerian-govt-to-accept-result-of-biafra-self-referendum/ | title=Simon Ekpa asks Nigerian Govt to accept Result of Biafra Self-referendum - Peoples Daily Newspaper | date=29 August 2024 }}

|child=

|flag_image=Flag of Biafra.svg

|voting_system=Physically and electronically

|votes_counted=

|outcome=Declaration of the restoration of Biafra

|country=

|question=

|last_update=

|total=

|image=

|map=File:Map of the United States of Biafra.png

|map_caption= Map of the United States of Biafra}}

The Biafra Referendum, otherwise known as the Biafra self-referendum, was a self-determination poll organized and conducted by the Biafra Republic Government in Exile to determine the declaration of the restoration of Biafra, a partially recognised state in West Africa that declared independence from Nigeria and existed from 1967 until 1970. Following the conclusion of the referendum on 28 November 2024, the restoration of Biafra was declared on 29 November 2024, with its capital in Ebube.

Background

Biafra was a nation that declared independence from Nigeria in 1967 under the leadership of the then Eastern Region's military governor, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu. Shortly after the declaration of independence, the Nigerian Civil War ensued as the Nigerian government sought to reclaim the territory of Biafra, culminating in victory for Nigerian forces in 1970.{{Cite web |last=Hurst |first=Ryan |date=2009-06-21 |title=Republic of Biafra (1967-1970) • |url=https://www.blackpast.org/global-african-history/republic-biafra-1967-1970/ |access-date=2024-08-25 |language=en-US}}

In May 2023, separatist Simon Ekpa wrote to Finland's former presidents Sauli Niinistö and Tarja Halonen, urging them to support a referendum for Biafra's independence from Nigeria. He submitted over 200 documents highlighting Nigeria's political issues and reminded them of an ongoing ECOWAS Court case initiated by various ethnic groups, including the Coalition of Northern Groups, advocating for a peaceful Biafra exit through a referendum.{{Cite web |last=Ariemu |first=Ogaga |date=2023-05-12 |title=Biafra Referendum: Ekpa writes Finland President, Niinistö, ex-leader Halonen |url=https://dailypost.ng/2023/05/12/biafra-referendum-ekpa-writes-finland-president-niinisto-ex-leader-halonen/ |access-date=2024-08-25 |website=Daily Post Nigeria |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2024-03-13 |title=Court strikes out suit to compel Igbo from Nigeria |url=https://guardian.ng/news/court-strikes-out-suit-to-compel-igbo-from-nigeria/ |access-date=2024-08-25 |website=The Guardian Nigeria |language=en-US}}

In late October 2023, Biafrans hosted by Ekpa and his organization, the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE) convened in Helsinki, Finland to discuss the potential for a possible Biafra referendum to reclaim the lost sovereign nation. On 1 February 2024, a self-determination referendum tagged the "Biafra self-referendum" was initiated.{{Cite web |date=2024-02-01 |title=Biafra: BRGIE begins self-referendum voting for all Igbos, reveals details |url=https://dailypost.ng/2024/02/01/biafra-brgie-begins-self-referendum-voting-for-all-igbos-reveals-details/ |access-date=2024-08-21 |website=Daily Post Nigeria |language=en-US}}

Upon the conclusion of the referendum exercise, the BRGIE was expected to issue a declaration for the restoration of the independent state of Biafra on 2 December 2024, during a convention scheduled from 29 November to 3 December 2024 in Lahti, Finland. The referendum is being conducted both physically and electronically.{{Cite web |last=Rubin |first=Michael |date=2024-08-20 |title=The Next Administration Must Keep an Eye on Nigeria |url=https://nationalsecurityjournal.org/the-next-administration-must-keep-an-eye-on-nigeria/ |access-date=2024-08-20 |website=National Security Journal |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2024-06-07 |title=Keep an Eye on the Biafran Self-Referendum |url=https://orb-international.com/keep-an-eye-on-the-biafran-self-referendum/ |access-date=2024-08-20 |website=ORB International |language=en}} As of late August, Ekpa says that over 50 million votes have been cast.{{cite news |last1=Ariemu |first1=Ogaga |title=Biafra: Ekpa asks Nigerian Govt to accept result of self-referendum |url=https://dailypost.ng/2024/08/29/biafra-ekpa-asks-nigerian-govt-to-accept-result-of-self-referendum/ |access-date=30 August 2024 |work=Daily Post |date=29 August 2024}}

According to Ekpa, the referendum is a response to enduring challenges such as marginalization, underdevelopment and insecurity in South East and South South geopolitical zones.{{Cite web |title=Biafra's 40 States Structure Emerges As BRGIE Begins Global Self-Referendum E-voting |url=https://thesouthernexaminer.com/biafras-states-structure-emerges-as-brgie-begins-global-selfreferendum-p11671-221.htm |access-date=2024-08-20 |website=thesouthernexaminer.com}}{{Cite web |last=Ariemu |first=Ogaga |date=2023-10-19 |title=Simon Ekpa hosts three-day extraordinary conference on Biafra Referendum |url=https://dailypost.ng/2023/10/19/simon-ekpa-hosts-three-day-extraordinary-conference-on-biafra-referendum/ |access-date=2024-08-20 |website=Daily Post Nigeria |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2024-08-27 |title=Self-Referendum: Ekpa Fingers Marginalisation, Underdevelopment, Insecurity, Poverty In S'East – Independent Newspaper Nigeria |url=https://independent.ng/self-referendum-ekpa-fingers-marginalisation-underdevelopment-insecurity-poverty-in-seast/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=%5Btwitter%5D |access-date=2024-08-28 |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |date=2024-08-29 |title=Extradition: Ekpa dares DHQ, invites Nigerian officials to Biafra convention in Finland |url=https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/extradition-ekpa-dares-dhq-invites-nigerian-officials-to-biafra-convention-in-finland/?utm_term=Autofeed&echobox=twitter_post&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Twitter#Echobox=1724894065 |access-date=2024-08-29 |website=The Guardian Nigeria |language=en-US}}{{overcite|date=August 2024}}

Reactions

On 9 June 2024, the separatist group Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) stated that only their leader Nnamdi Kanu could declare a referendum on Biafra. It said that such referendums would be conducted transparently and publicly, adhering to United Nations and African Charter laws, and that no such was ongoing at the time.{{cite news |last1=Opejobi |first1=Seun |title=Simon Ekpa: Only Nnamdi Kanu can declare Biafra referendum - IPOB |url=https://dailypost.ng/2024/06/09/simon-ekpa-only-nnamdi-kanu-can-declare-biafra-referendum-ipob/ |access-date=29 August 2024 |work=Daily Post |date=9 June 2024}}

In June 2024, the Organization of Emerging African States (OEAS), a group which advises African separatists,{{cite news |title=African Conflict Zones in Need of Cease-Fires for Coronavirus Aid |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/science-health_coronavirus-outbreak_african-conflict-zones-need-cease-fires-coronavirus-aid/6186763.html |access-date=2 July 2024 |work=Voice of America |date=1 April 2020 |language=en}} stated that the results of the referendum would be binding under international law. It expressed satisfaction with the "referendum's integrity" and acknowledged its alignment with international standards for self-determination.{{Cite web |last=Ariemu |first=Ogaga |date=2024-06-28 |title=Biafra referendum binding statement under Int'l law - OEAS |url=https://dailypost.ng/2024/06/28/biafra-referendum-binding-statement-under-intl-law-oeas/ |access-date=2024-08-25 |website=Daily Post Nigeria |language=en-US}} A representative of the Centre for Democracy and Development stated that the OEAS has no authority on the matter and that a referendum would need recognition from the United Nations or major sovereign states.{{cite news |last1=Iruke |first1=Chioma |title=FACT CHECK: Ekpa's false claims of foreign backing debunked |url=https://blueprint.ng/fact-check-ekpas-false-claims-of-foreign-backing-debunked/ |access-date=29 August 2024 |work=Blueprint |date=14 July 2024}}

A writer for the American National Security Journal Michael Rubin said "Thirty million voted, a greater number than those who cast ballots in Nigeria’s most recent presidential elections."

In response to the planned "declaration of the restoration of the independent state of Biafra" on 2 December 2024, the Nigerian government, through the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), stated that it is engaging with the European Union to extradite Simon Ekpa from Finland. Meanwhile, the BRGIE said it is inviting the Nigerian government to the Biafra convention scheduled for the declaration of independence.{{Cite news |date=2024-08-28 |title=Biafra: Federal Gov't Engaging EU To Extradite Simon Ekpa – DHQ |newspaper=Leadership News |url=https://leadership.ng/biafra-federal-govt-engaging-eu-to-extradite-simon-ekpa-dhq/ |access-date=2024-08-28 |language=en-US |last1=David |first1=Tarkaa }}{{Cite web |date=27 August 2024 |title=Lets discuss at EU, pro-Biafran group tells FG |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2024/08/lets-discuss-at-eu-pro-biafran-group-tells-fg/ |website=Vanguard News}}

Restoration declaration

On 29 November 2024, Biafrans, under the leadership of Simon Ekpa and deputized by Ngozi Orabueze, declared the restoration of Biafra during a convention attended by hundreds of Biafrans. This came after Ekpa was taken into custody just days before the declaration event, on 21 November 2024, for alleged intent to commit terrorism by the Finnish local police in Lahti, Finland.{{Cite web |date=2024-12-03 |title=Finlandia kaikui Lahden torilla, kun biafralaiset osoittivat mieltään vangitun Simon Ekpan puolesta |url=https://yle.fi/a/74-20128728 |access-date=2024-12-29 |website=Yle Uutiset |language=fi}}{{Cite web |last=Daniel |first=Daniel |date=2024-12-26 |title=Simon Ekpa's Deputy, Ngozi Orabueze, Reveals Plans to Free Him from Detention in Finland |url=https://politicsnigeria.com/simon-ekpas-deputy-ngozi-orabueze-reveals-plans-to-free-him-from-detention-in-finland/ |access-date=2024-12-29 |website=Politics Nigeria |language=en-US}}

Ekpa had planned to declare the restoration of Biafra on 2 December. The Nigerian government opposed the move and stated that plans were underway to arrest Ekpa for attempting to declare Biafra again, following Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu’s declaration in 1967, which led to a brutal war lasting until 1970. Shortly after Ekpa's reported detention by the Finnish local police, the Nigerian government claimed responsibility for collaborating with and petitioning the Finnish authorities regarding Ekpa's activities.{{cn|date=March 2025}}

=List of the proclaimed states of the United States of Biafra=

1. State of Aba

2. State of Adoka

3. State of Afemai-Igodomigodo

4. State of Ahoada

5. State of Akpakip Oro

6. State of Alaudo

7. State of Alanso

8. State of Anioma

9. State of Branem

10. State of Calabar

11. State of Edda

12. State of Ebonyi

13. State of Ebube

14. State of Epie

15. State of Esan-Igodomigodo

16. State of Enugwu

17. State of Ezeani

18. State of Iden-Igodomigodo

19. State of Idung Ibom

20. State of Igbani

21. State of Igala

22. State of Ika

23. State of Ikemba

24. State of Ikom

25. State of Ikwumisia

26. State of Ittai-Annang

27. State of Iwere

28. State of Iwhuruohna

29. State of Odumegwu

30. State of Ogbia

31. State of Ogoja

32. State of Ohabuenyi

33. State of Ohaukwu

34. State of Okigwe

35. State of Omambala

36. State of Orlu

37. State of Owerri

38. State of Qua

39. State of South Atlantic

40. State of Urhobo-Isoko

Timeline

= 1 February =

The BRGIE announced the commencement of the referendum and revealed the structure of the proposed 40 "United States of Biafra."

= 10 February =

Ekpa said that over two million votes were recorded in the self-referendum within the last ten days.{{Cite web |date=2024-02-10 |title='We're ready to go' as over 2m Biafrans vote for self-referendum in few days - Ekpa |url=https://dailypost.ng/2024/02/10/were-ready-to-go-as-over-2m-biafrans-vote-for-self-referendum-in-few-days-ekpa/ |access-date=2024-08-29 |website=Daily Post Nigeria |language=en-US}}

= 31 May =

The BRGIE said that "over 30 million Biafrans have participated in the self-referendum, indicating strong support for secession from Nigeria." Simon Ekpa, the Prime Minister of the BRGIE, stated that this turnout surpassed that of Nigeria's 2023 presidential election.{{Cite web |last=Ariemu |first=Ogaga |date=2024-05-31 |title=Biafra: BRGIE claims 30m voted 'during self-referendum' |url=https://dailypost.ng/2024/05/31/biafra-brgie-claims-30m-voted-during-self-referendum/ |access-date=2024-08-29 |website=Daily Post Nigeria |language=en-US}}

= 20 August =

The BRGIE unveiled the map of the proposed 40 "United States of Biafra" and set 2 December 2024 as the date for its official presentation and declaration.{{Cite web |date=20 August 2024 |title=We'll unveil biafran map soon – Group |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2024/08/well-unveil-biafran-map-soon-group/ |website=Vanguard News}}{{Cite web |last=Ariemu |first=Ogaga |date=2023-10-19 |title=Simon Ekpa hosts three-day extraordinary conference on Biafra Referendum |url=https://dailypost.ng/2023/10/19/simon-ekpa-hosts-three-day-extraordinary-conference-on-biafra-referendum/ |access-date=2024-08-29 |website=Daily Post Nigeria |language=en-US}}

= 28 August =

The Nigerian government, through the Defence Headquarters, said it was working with the European Union to extradite Ekpa for his comments on the presentation of the Biafra map and the official declaration of the restoration of Biafra.{{Cite web |last=David |first=Tarkaa |date=2024-08-28 |title=Biafra: Federal Gov't Engaging EU To Extradite Simon Ekpa – DHQ |url=https://leadership.ng/biafra-federal-govt-engaging-eu-to-extradite-simon-ekpa-dhq/ |access-date=2024-09-01 |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Opejobi |first=Seun |date=2024-08-28 |title=Biafra map: Nigerian govt moves for Simon Ekpa's extradition |url=https://dailypost.ng/2024/08/28/biafra-map-nigerian-govt-moves-for-simon-ekpas-extradition/ |access-date=2024-09-01 |website=Daily Post Nigeria |language=en-US}}

= 29 November =

Biafrans convened in Lahti, Finland, and declared the restoration of Biafra's independence, officially known as the United States of Biafra. The declaration, originally scheduled for December 2, 2024, was made earlier due to Ekpa's detention by Finnish police.{{Cite web |date=2024-11-29 |title=Ekpa not bailable, followers declare United States of Biafra in Finland |url=https://punchng.com/ekpa-not-bailable-followers-declare-united-states-of-biafra-in-finland/ |access-date=2024-11-30 |website=Punch Newspapers |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Michael |first=Rubin |date=1 December 2024 |title=Biafra Declares Independence: A Renewed Quest for Freedom |url=https://www.aei.org/op-eds/biafra-declares-independence-a-renewed-quest-for-freedom/ |website=American Enterprise Institute}}