The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) has expressed confidence that the Nnamdi Kanu-led Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) would not succeed if a referendum were held to determine the secession of Biafra. AYCF National President, Yerima Shettima, stated that the majority of Igbos prefer to remain part of Nigeria rather than form a sovereign state.
Speaking with the DAILY POST, Shettima acknowledged that while some Igbos, like Nnamdi Kanu, are advocating for fairness, equity, and justice, the general sentiment among Igbos is to stay within Nigeria.
“As a Nigerian, I know that IPOB can’t win a referendum today because an average Igbo man wants to remain a Nigerian. All they are demanding is justice, equity, and fair play,” Shettima said.
He further explained that even within the Southeast region, a referendum would likely not favor the secessionists. “If there is a referendum within the Southeast, I’m sure they will lose because the majority of Igbos want to be Nigerians, apart from a few individuals who are agitating for reasons best known to them,” Shettima added.
Shettima also highlighted the climate of fear among Igbos, which prevents many from speaking out against the agitation for Biafra. “I won’t tell you that most Igbos believe in the agitation, but out of fear, they won’t speak out; they are scared. They are afraid of certain people,” he noted.
Shettima maintained that while the Biafran voice would be heard in a referendum, the majority preference for unity with Nigeria would prevail. “I can tell you that if there is a referendum today, the Biafran voice will be heard, but the majority will have their way at the end of the day,” he asserted.
