A poll that determined the declaration of the restoration of Biafra's independence.
Biafra self-referendum
1 February—28 November 2024
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)?[1]
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.
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.[3]
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.[4][5]
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.[6][7]
Upon the conclusion of the referendum exercise, the BRGIE is 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.[2][8] As of late August, Ekpa says that over 50 million votes have been cast.[9]
On 9 June 2024, the separatist group Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) stated that only their leader Nnamdi Kanu can declare a referendum on Biafra. It said that such referendums will be conducted transparently and publicly, adhering to United Nations and African Charter laws, and that no such was ongoing at the time.[13]
In June 2024, the Organization of Emerging African States (OEAS), a group which advises African separatists,[14] stated that the results of the referendum will be binding under international law. It expressed satisfaction with the "referendum's integrity" and acknowledged its alignment with international standards for self-determination.[15] 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.[16]
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."[2]
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.[17][18]
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.[19][20]
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.
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]
10 February
Ekpa said that over two million votes were recorded in the self-referendum within the last ten days.[21]
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.[22]
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.[23][24]
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.[25][26]
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.[27][28]
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