The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has reiterated its position that it will boycott elections across the South-East and other areas it refers to as “Biafraland” if the appeal against the conviction of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, is not listed and heard.
The group also accused Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah of allegedly using political thugs to disrupt opposition activities in the state and condemned the reported deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.
IPOB made the claims in its weekly address signed by Chris Nwaogu, Head of the Fourth Administration of its Directorate of State (DOS).
Reacting to a reported attack on members of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) during a rally in Ndiuno-Obuoffia, Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State, on September 12, Nwaogu said IPOB opposed political violence and intimidation.
He alleged that opposition political gatherings in the state had been disrupted, with reports of shootings and the destruction of canopies and chairs.
“IPOB is against every form of violence,” Nwaogu said, insisting that political violence should not be attributed to the group.
On the 2027 elections, Nwaogu said IPOB would maintain its boycott position unless the Federal Government takes steps to ensure that Kanu’s appeal is listed and heard.
Read Also: inec-trains-public-affairs-officers-to-tackle-misinformation-ahead-of-2027-polls
He stressed that the proposed boycott should not be interpreted as a call for violence or the disruption of political rallies.
According to him, the group would reconsider its position if the government takes steps to have Kanu’s appeal heard.
“If they refuse, there will be a total boycott of the coming elections across Biafraland and beyond,” he said.
IPOB also condemned the reported deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners held in NSCDC custody in Minna, Niger State, and called for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The group alleged that some survivors reported overcrowding and poor ventilation at the detention facility, while protesters who gathered over the incident were allegedly met with gunfire.
Nwaogu further referred to what he described as international efforts concerning Kanu’s detention, including a reported communication to the United Nations by Israeli Knesset member Afef Abed regarding the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention’s Opinion No. 25/2022.
He said the opinion called for remedies over Kanu’s detention, including his release, compensation and an investigation into his rendition from Kenya.
IPOB maintained that securing the freedom of Kanu and other detained members, as well as pursuing its campaign for Biafra, remained its central objectives.
The group also rejected claims of internal divisions, alleging that attempts to create factions were aimed at weakening the organisation.
