The Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE) has rejected claims that Ogechukwu Nkere has emerged as the new “Prime Minister” and successor to Simon Ekpa, describing the announcement as unauthorized and fraudulent.
In a statement dated January 15, 2026, and signed by the group’s Deputy Prime Minister, Dr. Ngozi Orabueze, the BRGIE said Nkere—also known as Issaiah Anyaogu—has no legitimacy, mandate, or authority to represent Biafrans or speak on behalf of any Biafran institution. The group dismissed the gathering that purportedly appointed Nkere as a deliberate attempt to create confusion within the separatist movement.
The BRGIE alleged that Nkere is a convicted criminal in the United States, citing claims of alcohol abuse, domestic violence, and public nuisance offences, which it said further disqualify him from any leadership role. It likened the episode to previous incidents involving other figures, accusing unnamed actors of trying to sow division and destabilize the movement.
Insisting that there is no leadership crisis, the group said the Biafran leadership succession remains clear and uninterrupted, tracing it from Odumegwu Ojukwu to Nnamdi Kanu, then to Simon Ekpa, and currently to an administration led by Dr. Orabueze. Ekpa, the group noted, remains in detention in Finland.
The statement warned individuals and organizations against engaging with Nkere and others it described as unauthorized actors, saying any dealings would be at their own risk. It also reaffirmed claims that a Biafran state—referred to as the “United States of Biafra”—was restored following a referendum held on November 29, 2024, a claim not recognized by Nigerian authorities or the international community.
Ekpa was convicted in 2025 by a Finnish court and sentenced to six years in prison on terrorism-related charges, including incitement and promotion of Biafran independence through illegal means.
