The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has threatened to boycott future elections across Biafraland and beyond if the Federal Government fails to ensure the hearing of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu’s appeal within 14 days.
The group issued the ultimatum in a statement by its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, accusing the government of delaying proceedings after Kanu’s conviction.
IPOB alleged that while the Federal Government moved quickly to prosecute and convict Nnamdi Kanu, it had shown little urgency in addressing the appeal filed against the judgment.
The group demanded that the appeal be listed and heard within the stipulated period, warning that failure to do so would trigger what it described as a “total boycott” of elections.
IPOB also questioned the legal basis of Kanu’s conviction and continued detention, asking what offence justified his continued incarceration and under which existing law he was convicted.
The group said a separate legal challenge was still before the Supreme Court over the continuation of Kanu’s trial after some charges against him had earlier been struck out.
According to IPOB, the Federal Government must either defend Kanu’s conviction in court or release him.
The group argued that its proposed election boycott was not aimed at supporting any political party or candidate, but was a response to what it described as a loss of confidence in the electoral system.
IPOB said its supporters participated in the 2023 general elections but claimed that disputes arising from the polls were not resolved in their favour through legal channels.
The group said repeated participation in elections followed by allegations of irregularities had raised questions about the effectiveness of the process.
It urged those opposed to the proposed boycott to instead focus their efforts on ensuring that Kanu’s appeal was heard.
IPOB reiterated its demand for Kanu’s immediate and unconditional release, warning that the Federal Government’s failure to act within 14 days would lead to a wider electoral boycott across the region.
