Igbo Leaders of Thought have rejected the communiqué issued at the Abuja restructuring conference held on August 20, 2026, proposing a different framework for restructuring Nigeria.

The group also called for the temporary suspension of the 2027 general elections until the restructuring process is completed and a new constitutional arrangement is put in place.

The position was contained in a statement titled *Igbo Position on the Restructuring of Nigeria*, dated September 16, 2026.

The leaders proposed a 10-region political structure for the country and called for the restructuring exercise to be concluded before May 2027, after which elections would be conducted under the proposed new constitutional framework.

They also demanded the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra.

The group proposed the creation of a united Igbo region stretching toward the Atlantic coast and encompassing Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, prospective Anioma and parts of Rivers State, as well as Igbo communities in parts of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Benue, Cross River, Edo and Kogi states.

The leaders argued that restructuring was necessary to address what they described as fundamental problems in Nigeria’s political system.

They maintained that the country’s current structure had historical foundations that did not adequately reflect the consent or interests of its constituent nationalities.

According to the group, the restructuring process should be driven from the grassroots and should involve broad consultations among the various communities and regions.

The leaders further advocated greater regional autonomy, resource control and the establishment of regional police as part of the proposed restructuring framework.

They said the objective should be to create a political system that gives constituent regions greater control over their affairs while maintaining a united Nigeria.

The group maintained that the Abuja communiqué did not adequately reflect its position and therefore could not be regarded as a comprehensive resolution of the restructuring question.

The proposal comes less than four months before the 2027 general elections, adding another dimension to ongoing national discussions over constitutional reform, devolution of powers and Nigeria’s political structure.