The Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government in-Exile (BRGIE), Hon. Ogechukwu Nkere, issued the following statement:
The Biafra Republic Government in-Exile affirms that it operates independently of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). BRGIE is issuing this statement to resolve longstanding confusion concerning the relationship between the two organizations and to clarify its position regarding current and former leaders of the Biafran independence movement.
BRGIE was established in 2023 following the development of the “Autopilot” movement under former Prime Minister Simon Ekpa. During his tenure, Ekpa publicly described himself as a “spiritual son” of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and presented Kanu’s name and image alongside his own in communications promoting BRGIE. These representations contributed to the perception that Kanu endorsed BRGIE or held a leadership role within it. BRGIE has no confirmation that Kanu authorized those representations or accepted such a role.
Following my assumption of BRGIE’s leadership, I sought to normalize relations with IPOB through outreach to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and an offer of a mutually beneficial partnership. That outreach did not produce an agreement. Instead, BRGIE received a demand for its dissolution. Public statements by Aloy Ejimakor concerning Kanu’s nonrecognition of a Biafran government, together with the establishment of a “Fourth Administration” of IPOB’s Department of State, further underscored the separation between the organizations.
BRGIE therefore makes its position clear: it is an independent organization, is not a component of IPOB, and is not subject to the direction or control of IPOB or Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. BRGIE respects Kanu’s prior contributions to Biafran advocacy and recognizes his historical significance to many supporters of the movement. However, BRGIE does not recognize him as its “Supreme Leader” or as holding any governing, supervisory, or decision-making authority over BRGIE, its leadership, or its operations.
Going forward, BRGIE will not use Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s name or image to imply his endorsement, affiliation, or leadership. BRGIE will respect IPOB’s organizational independence and expects the same respect in return. Statements by IPOB representatives concerning whether they recognize BRGIE do not determine BRGIE’s leadership, mandate, or operations. BRGIE will pursue international recognition through its own diplomatic engagement.
BRGIE’s stated objective, in conjunction with its affiliated armed wing, the Biafra Liberation Army (BLA), is to establish territorial control and self-governance in pursuit of an independent, internationally recognized Biafran state.Leadership Transition BRGIE formally removed Simon Ekpa from the office of Prime Minister in January 2026.
BRGIE has concerns regarding erratic decisions and associations during his tenure that contributed to organizational issues. I was elected Acting Prime Minister in December 2024 and subsequently elected Prime Minister in January 2026. BRGIE’s leadership and governing authority rest with its current administration. Any future change in Ekpa’s circumstances would not, in itself, alter those arrangements.
BRGIE fully disassociates itself from Simon Ekpa, and cannot be held liable in any way for actions taken by Ekpa now or in the future.
No Affiliation With Ngozi Orabueze or the “United States of Biafra-Biafra Republic Government in Exile-Defacto” BRGIE has no affiliation with Ngozi Orabueze of Atlanta, Georgia, or the separate organization operating under the name “United States of Biafra-Biafra Republic Government in Exile-Defacto”. Neither Orabueze nor that organization is authorized to speak or act on BRGIE’s behalf.
BRGIE has previously pursued litigation concerning alleged unauthorized representation and impersonation involving Orabueze. It will continue to address any alleged misuse of its name, identity, or authority through appropriate legal channels.
A New Direction for the Biafran Movement
For too long, the Biafran independence movement has been hindered by leadership disputes, incompetence, and a lack of sustained progress. Acknowledging the contributions of past leaders must not prevent an honest assessment of their shortcomings or the need for new leadership. Under my leadership, BRGIE will pursue a distinct course centered on effective governance, organizational discipline, diplomatic engagement, and progress toward Biafran self-determination. We invite Biafrans to assess our administration by its conduct, its leadership, and the results it delivers.
