IPOB Vows To Boycott 2027 Elections Over Nnamdi Kanu’s Appeal

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has vowed to boycott the 2027 general elections in the South-East and other areas unless the Federal Government ensures that the appeal of its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu, is heard.

The group described the planned boycott as “not a threat, but a promise,” while calling on the government to facilitate the listing and hearing of Kanu’s pending appeal.

IPOB’s Head of the Directorate of State (DOS), Chris Nwaogu, made the position known in a statement on Tuesday.

Nwaogu, however, stressed that the proposed election boycott should not be interpreted as a call for violence, disruption of political activities, or attacks on individuals and property.

According to him, those seeking to prevent the boycott should direct their appeals to the Federal Government rather than IPOB.

IPOB also declined to reveal details of how it intends to enforce the proposed boycott, saying such information would only be made public closer to the 2027 elections.

The group said early disclosure of its plans could give politicians and other interests an opportunity to hijack the action and use it to promote violence.

IPOB further alleged that political thugs had been used to disrupt opposition rallies and ward meetings in Enugu State.

It specifically cited incidents in Nkanu West, where it claimed that some people were shot and properties damaged.

The group warned against using criminal elements to intimidate political opponents, saying such activities would be stopped in the coming days.

IPOB also renewed its criticism of the handling of Kanu’s legal case, accusing the Federal Government and the judiciary of delaying his appeal.

The group questioned some aspects of the judgment delivered by Justice James Omotosho, arguing that provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and Section 36 of the Nigerian Constitution raised issues that should be considered by the appellate court.

IPOB maintained that the resolution of Kanu’s pending appeal remained central to its position on participation in the 2027 elections.

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