–ABUJA, Nigeria
Ohanaeze Youth Council Chairman Igboayaka O. Igboayaka urged the Trump administration to prioritize combating the escalating insecurity in Nigeria and securing the release of Nnamdi Kanu, rather than overseeing the 2027 general elections.
Speaking from Abuja, Igboayaka responded to recent comments by U.S. Congressman Riley Moore, who stated that both he and the Trump administration would be paying close attention to how Nigeria conducts its upcoming elections. Igboayaka argued that with the killings, kidnappings, and insurgency plaguing the country daily, focusing on future elections diverts attention from the more pressing crisis facing Nigerians.
The youth leader expressed his frustration with the weariness of many citizens with statements lacking concrete action. He demanded that the protection of Christians, who, he said, continue to suffer persecution, kidnappings, and targeted violence in some parts of the country, become an absolute priority for the United States.
Igboayaka also demanded the immediate and unconditional release of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, calling his detention unjust. He criticized what he sees as insufficient attention from the Trump administration to religious violence and the treatment of defenders in Biafra.
Describing Nigeria as a failed, irrecoverable, and irreparable state, Igboayaka maintained that only a referendum or plebiscite can resolve the country's deep political and security problems. He called on the United States to refocus its attention on supporting such a political solution.