‎Emma Powerful: 14 Days to List Kanu’s Appeal — After That, Total Election Boycott Across Biafraland

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has given the Nigerian Government a 14-day ultimatum to ensure that the appeal of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, is listed and heard, threatening to declare a total election boycott across the South-East and other areas it describes as Biafraland if the demand is not met.

In a press statement issued on August 31, 2026, IPOB spokesperson, Comrade Emma Powerful, accused the Nigerian authorities of showing urgency in prosecuting Kanu but failing to demonstrate the same urgency now that his conviction is being challenged at the Court of Appeal.

According to the group, there has been no meaningful progress in the appeal process, despite the importance of the issues raised in the case.

IPOB questioned the legal basis for Kanu’s conviction and continued detention, asking the government to identify the law under which he was convicted and the specific offence that justifies his continued detention.

The group also said there is a separate legal challenge before the Supreme Court concerning the legality of the decision that allowed Kanu’s criminal trial to continue after previous proceedings and charges were reportedly terminated or quashed.

IPOB argued that the issue raises questions about the jurisdictional foundation of the resumed trial.

“The Nigerian Government must defend both the conviction and the jurisdictional foundation upon which the resumed trial was built,” the statement said.

The group warned that failure to list and hear Kanu’s appeal within 14 days could lead to a declaration of a total boycott of future elections across Biafraland and beyond.

Addressing arguments that an election boycott could benefit President Bola Tinubu and the ruling party, IPOB said it did not call for a boycott during the 2023 general elections and remained neutral while people participated in the voting process.

The group argued that despite widespread participation, the outcome of the election was still challenged in court, with the courts ultimately upholding the result.

IPOB said the proposed boycott should not automatically be blamed for any possible outcome in future elections, describing a collective refusal to participate as a political expression by people who have lost confidence in the electoral system.

The group called on the authorities to focus on ensuring that Kanu’s appeal is heard rather than debating the consequences of a possible boycott.

IPOB maintained that the government has two options: release Kanu or defend the actions taken against him through the judicial process.

The group reiterated its demand for the immediate and unconditional release of the IPOB leader.

The statement was signed by IPOB spokesperson, Comrade Emma Powerful.