IPOB threatens election boycott over Kanu’s appeal

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has threatened a total boycott of the 2027 general elections across the South-East and other areas unless the Federal Government takes steps to facilitate the hearing of the pending appeal of its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

The group, however, warned that the proposed boycott should not be used as a cover for violence, disruption of political rallies or attacks on individuals and property.

In a statement by its Head of the Fourth Administrator Directorate of State (DOS), Chris Nwaogu, IPOB described the proposed boycott as “not a threat, but a promise,” insisting that responsibility for averting it rested with the authorities.

“Anybody who wants it called off should stop talking to IPOB and talk to the APC government,” the group said, urging the authorities to ensure that Kanu’s appeal is listed and heard.

Kanu was convicted by the Federal High Court in Abuja in November 2025 and sentenced to life imprisonment on terrorism-related charges. He subsequently appealed against the conviction, with his legal team recently alleging that the appeal had yet to be listed for hearing.

IPOB said it would not disclose how it planned to pursue the boycott until closer to the elections, arguing that an early disclosure could allow politicians and other interests to hijack the action and trigger violence.

It insisted that a boycott did not amount to a licence to disrupt campaign rallies or unleash violence, and sought to distance itself from any attacks carried out in its name.

The group also alleged that political thugs had been deployed to disrupt opposition rallies and ward meetings in Enugu State, including gatherings in Nkanu West where it claimed people were shot and property destroyed.

It warned against the use of criminal elements to intimidate political opponents, saying such activities “will be put to an end in the coming days.”

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

It challenged 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 Constitution raised questions which should be determined on appeal.

The group further maintained that the ex parte order proscribing it was unlawful and said a related appeal was pending before the Supreme Court.

IPOB said its lawyers were pursuing appeals on behalf of detained members, while assistance was being provided to injured members and prison outreach continued in Port Harcourt, Owerri, Enugu and Abakaliki.

It also referred to the reported deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State, citing the incident as part of its reasons for distrusting the authorities.

The allegations concerning the circumstances of the deaths were made by IPOB and were not independently established in the statement.

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