IPOB gives Government 14 days to list Nnamdi Kanu’s appeal, threatens election boycott

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has given the Federal Government 14 days to ensure that the appeal against the conviction of its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, is listed and heard.

IPOB made the demand in a statement issued on Tuesday by its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, amid concerns raised by the group over what it described as delays in the legal process.

The group questioned the continued detention of Kanu and the legal basis for his conviction, urging the Federal Government to address the outstanding legal issues surrounding his case.

IPOB warned that failure to have Kanu’s appeal listed and heard within the 14-day period would lead to what it described as a total boycott of forthcoming elections across Biafraland and beyond.

The group also referred to a separate legal challenge before the Supreme Court concerning the continuation of Kanu’s trial after some charges against him had previously been quashed.

According to IPOB, the Federal Government should either defend Kanu’s conviction and the jurisdiction of the resumed trial in court or release him.

The organisation maintained that the proposed election boycott should not be viewed simply as an action that could benefit President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

IPOB said it did not call for an election boycott in 2023, claiming that its supporters participated in the elections but later disputed the results and pursued legal challenges that were unsuccessful.

The group described a collective refusal to participate in elections as a political statement by people who had lost confidence in the electoral system.

It urged those opposed to the proposed boycott to instead focus on ensuring that Kanu’s appeal is heard.

IPOB also reiterated its demand for Kanu’s immediate and unconditional release.