IPOB Gives FG 14-Day Ultimatum Over Nnamdi Kanu Appeal, Threatens Election Boycott

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to ensure that the appeal filed by its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, is listed and heard, threatening to boycott forthcoming elections across Biafraland and beyond if its demand is not met.

IPOB made the demand in a statement issued on Tuesday by its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, in which the group expressed concern over what it described as the slow pace of proceedings following Kanu’s conviction.

The group alleged that while the Federal Government acted swiftly in prosecuting and convicting Kanu, it had shown less urgency in responding to the appeal challenging the conviction.

IPOB also questioned the legal basis of Kanu’s conviction and continued detention, demanding clarification on the law under which he was convicted and the specific offence it said justified his continued incarceration.

The group further disclosed that a separate legal challenge remains before the Supreme Court over the legality of the continuation of Kanu’s trial after some charges against him had earlier been quashed.

According to IPOB, the Federal Government must either defend Kanu’s conviction and the jurisdictional basis of his resumed trial or release him.

Advertisement

The group warned that failure to have the appeal listed and heard within 14 days would trigger what it described as a total boycott of forthcoming elections across Biafraland and beyond.

Defending the proposed boycott against suggestions that it could favour President Bola Tinubu’s administration, IPOB said it did not call for an election boycott in 2023 and that its supporters participated in the election.

The group argued that despite their participation, the 2023 election results were widely disputed and subsequent legal challenges did not produce the desired outcome.

IPOB said repeated participation in elections followed by allegations of irregularities and unsuccessful court challenges had raised questions about the effectiveness of the electoral process.

It described the proposed boycott as a political statement by people who, according to the group, have lost confidence in the electoral system.

IPOB also urged individuals and groups opposed to the boycott to channel their efforts towards ensuring that Kanu’s appeal is heard.

Advertisement

The group reiterated its demand for Kanu’s immediate and unconditional release, insisting that the Federal Government has two options: release him or appear before the court to defend his conviction and the legal basis of his trial.

It warned that failure to act within the 14-day deadline would result in a total election boycott across Biafraland and beyond.