Former Nigerian Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, has accused late Biafran leader, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, of frustrating attempts to stop Nigeria from falling into civil war.
According to a report by Vanguard on Thursday, May 21, 2026, in his autobiography, My Life of Service and Allegiance, Gowon said several efforts were made by the Federal Military Government to peacefully settle the political crisis that followed the 1966 coups and the killings of many Igbos in Northern Nigeria.
According to him, the January 1967 Aburi meeting in Ghana was organised to find a peaceful solution and preserve Nigeria’s unity. However, Gowon claimed that disagreements over the interpretation of the Aburi Accord created more tension between both sides.
He stated that Ojukwu’s position would have weakened the Federal Government and threatened Nigeria’s unity. Gowon also said his administration continued to seek peace despite growing mistrust and fear across the country.
The former leader defended the creation of 12 states before Biafra’s declaration, saying it was done to protect minority ethnic groups and give them a stronger sense of belonging within Nigeria.
Gowon insisted that the Federal Government did not desire war, adding that the declaration of Biafra in May 1967 left the government with little choice but to respond militarily.
He also defended the “No Victor, No Vanquished” policy introduced after the war ended in 1970, saying reconciliation was necessary to rebuild the country and promote national unity.
In his words, “Ojukwu deliberately and effectively thwarted every effort we made to amicably resolve our national issues….See More
