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.
The group warned that failure to meet the demand could lead to a total boycott of elections across Biafraland and other areas.
IPOB made its position known in a statement issued on Tuesday by its spokesperson, Emma Powerful.
The group criticised what it described as delays in the legal process following Kanu’s conviction, alleging that the Federal Government acted quickly in prosecuting and convicting its leader but had shown less urgency regarding his appeal.
IPOB also questioned the legal foundation of Kanu’s conviction and continued detention, asking what specific offence and existing law justified his continued imprisonment.
The organisation further referred to a separate matter before the Supreme Court challenging the legality of the continuation of Kanu’s trial after some of the charges against him had previously been struck out.
According to IPOB, the Federal Government should be prepared to defend both Kanu’s conviction and the legal basis for the resumed trial.
The group warned that if Kanu’s appeal is not listed and heard within 14 days, it would mobilise for a total boycott of forthcoming elections in Biafraland and beyond.
IPOB also rejected arguments that an election boycott could favour President Bola Tinubu’s administration. It said it did not support an election boycott in 2023 and that its supporters participated in the electoral process.
However, the group argued that the outcome of the 2023 elections was contested and that subsequent legal challenges did not produce the desired results.
It said repeated participation in elections followed by allegations of irregularities and unsuccessful court cases had raised concerns about the credibility and effectiveness of the electoral system.
IPOB described a collective decision not to participate in elections as a political expression by people who had lost confidence in the process.
The group urged those opposing its proposed boycott to focus instead on ensuring that Kanu’s appeal is heard without further delay.
IPOB maintained that the Federal Government had two choices: release Kanu or appear before the court to defend his conviction and the legal foundation of his trial.
The organisation reiterated its call for Kanu’s immediate and unconditional release, warning that failure to act within the 14-day deadline would trigger a total election boycott across Biafraland and beyond.
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