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By Oscar Okhifo
The Political Wing of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB-PW) has welcomed the decision by the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) to actively participate in Nigeria’s political process, describing it as a strategic and historic shift in the long-standing quest to address Igbo marginalisation.
MASSOB, at the weekend, announced plans to formally engage in Nigeria’s political space, stating that political participation has become central to Biafra’s political emancipation. The group said it possesses a strong grassroots structure capable of shaping political alliances and influencing electoral outcomes across the country.
“We shall engage in political participation as Biafra political emancipation determines our political involvements and participation. We have the grassroots base and block political formations,” MASSOB said in a statement.
Reacting to the development, IPOB-PW said the move reinforces its long-held position that meaningful political engagement remains a viable and effective pathway for advancing the collective interests of the Igbo people.
In a statement made available to Diaspora Digital Media, the group described MASSOB’s decision as both encouraging and symbolic, noting that it reflects a growing consensus among pro-Biafra groups on the need to engage the political system.
“This shows that our work is yielding results. IPOB Political Wing will get the job done for the sake of our children and generations to come,” the statement said.
IPOB-PW disclosed plans to intensify consultations and dialogue with other pro-Biafra organisations to promote broader participation in the political process. It stressed that lasting change can only be achieved through structured political engagement, rather than political isolation.
The group further maintained that even the pursuit of an independent state, if achievable, would require political negotiations, dialogue, and consensus-building.
According to the wing, past disengagement from mainstream politics had weakened the Igbo cause and limited its influence within the Nigerian state.
It also also revealed ongoing efforts to sustain dialogue with the IPOB leadership led by Nnamdi Kanu, BIM-MASSOB, and other pro-Biafra groups, with the aim of harmonising strategies toward what it described as a shared political objective.
Describing MASSOB’s announcement as a major turning point in the Biafra struggle, the wing said the group’s historical role in the agitation lends significant weight to its decision.
“Let it be clear to all doubters that MASSOB is the father of the present Biafra agitation, and because the father has taken this bold step, others will follow,” the statement added.