He was greeted with a ‘sit at home’ protest by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Although crowds appeared at some events, the protest appears to have been a success, illustrating the increasing support garnered by the Igbo separatist movement in the region. To this can be added growing Yoruba separatist sentiment in south-western Nigeria following continued farmer-herder conflicts and state repression.
Kanu and Igboho’s continued incarceration will further inflame anti-government sentiment.
Buhari’s government will make few, if any, concessions to separatist sentiment.
The cycle of sporadic protest and violence followed by violent government crackdowns will continue.
Separatist sentiment will be strengthened by continuing farmer-herder conflict at the national level.
Buhari’s harsh response to separatist threats will threaten the ruling All Progressives Congress party’s chances in the 2023 election.
