IPOB Gives FG 14 Days To Hear Nnamdi Kanu’s Appeal, Threatens Election Boycott.

 

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has given the Federal Government a 14-day ultimatum to ensure that the appeal filed by its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, is listed and heard.

The group warned that failure to meet the deadline would lead to a total boycott of forthcoming elections across Biafraland and beyond.

IPOB issued the ultimatum in a statement on Tuesday, September 1, signed by its spokesperson, Emma Powerful.

The group expressed concern over what it described as the slow pace of proceedings following Kanu’s conviction, accusing the Federal Government of showing greater urgency in prosecuting and convicting its leader than in responding to his appeal.

IPOB also questioned the legal basis of Kanu’s conviction and continued detention, asking which extant law was used to convict him and what offence justified his continued detention.

According to the group, another legal challenge is pending before the Supreme Court over the legality of continuing Kanu’s trial after some of the charges against him had previously been quashed.

IPOB said the Federal Government must therefore defend both Kanu’s conviction and the jurisdictional basis for the resumption of his trial.

The group maintained that if Kanu’s appeal is not listed and heard within 14 days, it would mobilise for a total boycott of forthcoming elections across Biafraland and beyond.

IPOB also defended the proposed boycott against claims that it could benefit President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

The organisation said it did not call for an election boycott in 2023, adding that its supporters participated in that election. However, it argued that the results were subsequently disputed and that legal challenges against them were unsuccessful.

IPOB said repeated participation in elections followed by allegations of rigging and unsuccessful court challenges had contributed to growing doubts about the effectiveness of the electoral process.

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

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

IPOB said the Federal Government had two options: release Kanu or appear in court to defend his conviction and the legal basis of his trial.

The group reiterated its demand 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.