Former United States mayor Mike Arnold has said that the possible breakup of Nigeria is “likely unavoidable and just,” in a strong statement presented to members of the US Congress.
Arnold, who is known for supporting the Biafra cause, made the remarks during a presentation titled “Nigeria at the Crossroads: The Case for Action.” He also claimed that Britain’s colonial structure for Nigeria was never designed for long-term success.
He argued that Nigeria needs a peaceful and democratic process where citizens decide their future through a referendum, rather than continued political tension.
According to him, Nigeria’s current structure reflects what he described as colonial-era divisions that have continued to affect unity and governance in the country.
He also compared Nigeria’s situation with other historical breakups such as India-Pakistan in 1947, South Sudan’s independence in 2011, the split of British Somaliland, and Cyprus, saying these were examples of states that had to be restructured over time.
Arnold stated that organisations like Africa Arise International support what he called a “freely chosen constitutional future” for Nigeria through a public vote.
He also described the former Eastern Region (Biafra) as one of the fastest-growing economies in the world during the 1950s and 1960s, saying it recorded strong development before the civil war.
Speaking on the Nigerian Civil War, Arnold said the conflict, which began after the declaration of Biafra in 1967 and ended in 1970, resulted in widespread suffering and heavy loss of life, especially due to starvation during the blockade period. He also repeated claims of foreign involvement and humanitarian challenges during the war.
On current issues, Arnold warned that violence against Christians in Nigeria has continued, even after the United States designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) in 2025.
He listed several reported attacks in different parts of the country, saying insecurity has worsened despite international attention.
Arnold also raised concerns about internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Nigeria, claiming that their situation is being underreported. He said international agencies such as UNHCR and IOM have at different times documented displacement camps, but recognition and support have faced challenges.
He accused the Nigerian government of downplaying the scale of displacement and humanitarian needs, adding that this affects international aid efforts.
According to him, failure to properly acknowledge displaced populations could worsen humanitarian conditions in affected areas.
Arnold concluded by urging stronger international attention to Nigeria’s political and security situation, insisting that long-term peace would require structural changes and a system that allows people to freely decide their future.