IPOB Gives FG 14 Days To Act On Nnamdi Kanu’s Appeal, Threatens 2027 Election Boycott

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to ensure that the appeal filed by its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu, is listed and heard, threatening to consider a boycott of the 2027 general elections across the South-East if its demand is not addressed.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the group made its position known in a statement issued on Tuesday by its spokesman, Emma Powerful, following renewed concerns from Kanu’s family over the delay in hearing his appeal against his conviction and life sentence.

IPOB accused the Federal Government of failing to defend the conviction before the Court of Appeal, despite what it described as the government’s earlier urgency in prosecuting and securing Kanu’s conviction.

The group claimed that Kanu had written to the Chief Justice of Nigeria and the President of the Court of Appeal, requesting the immediate listing and hearing of his pending appeal.

IPOB also criticised the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Kanu’s discharge and acquittal by the Court of Appeal. The group maintained that the apex court exceeded its constitutional authority by making pronouncements on individual counts that had already been quashed by the appellate court.

The organisation warned that failure by the Federal Government to ensure that the appeal is heard within the stipulated 14-day period could lead to mobilisation for a boycott of the 2027 elections across Biafraland and other areas.

In the statement, IPOB questioned the legal basis for Kanu’s conviction and continued detention, while also challenging the government to explain why there had been no significant progress in defending the conviction before the Court of Appeal.

The group argued that continued participation in an electoral process that its members believe is incapable of delivering justice could undermine political engagement.

IPOB stated that a collective decision to withdraw from the electoral process would be intended to demonstrate what it described as a loss of confidence in the system.

The statement read in part, “IPOB is giving the Federal Government 14 days to list and hear Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s appeal. If they refuse, we will consider boycotting the coming elections across Biafraland and beyond.”

The group further argued that the government had acted quickly to prosecute Kanu but had allegedly failed to show the same urgency in defending the conviction now that the matter is before the Court of Appeal.