The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) and the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) have clashed over the alleged inclusion of Niger Delta communities in IPOB’s Biafran secessionist plans.
In a statement issued in Port Harcourt, PANDEF’s National Youth Leader, Donben Donyegha, firmly rejected any association with Biafra, calling the inclusion “provocative and insulting” to the region’s people and leadership. Donyegha reaffirmed PANDEF’s commitment to a united Nigeria founded on equity and justice.
“We warn that the continued inclusion of Niger Delta towns or territories in the so-called Biafra Republic is provocative. Any further attempts to disrespect our leaders will be strongly resisted,” Donyegha said. PANDEF emphasized its support for a federal system where states control their resources while contributing taxes to the central government.
Responding, IPOB spokesperson Emma Powerful dismissed PANDEF’s concerns as baseless, attributing them to misinformation from a splinter group. Powerful clarified that IPOB does not compel any community to join its cause, stating, “When the referendum comes, people will freely decide their allegiance. IPOB focuses on peaceful means to achieve independence.”
Powerful urged restraint and asked the media to avoid linking IPOB to rogue elements, reaffirming the movement’s commitment to peaceful advocacy and a referendum-based decision on Biafran independence.
