Olushola Omogbehin
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has disclosed its readiness to boycott the 2027 general elections across the South-East and other areas unless the Federal Government hasten the hearing of the pending appeal of Nnamdi Kanu.
IPOB’s Head of the Fourth Administrator Directorate of State (DOS), Chris Nwaogu, said in a statement that the proposed boycott is “not a threat, but a promise,” maintaning that responsibility for averting it rested with the authorities.
Urging the authorities to ensure that Kanu’s appeal is listed and heard, the group said: “Anybody who wants it called off should stop talking to IPOB and talk to the APC government.”
Convicted by the Federal High Court in Abuja in November 2025 and sentenced to life imprisonment on terrorism-related charges, Kanu subsequently appealed against the conviction, with his legal team recently alleging that the appeal had yet to be listed for hearing.
The group which did not disclose its plan on how to execute the planned boycott until elections get closer, said early disclosure would allow politicians and other interests to hijack the action and trigger violence.
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.
According to the group as reported by Daily Sun, 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.
Renewing its criticism of the handling of Kanu’s case and accusing the Federal Government and the judiciary of delaying his appeal, it challenged the aspects of the judgment delivered by Justice James Omotosho.
The group argued that the provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and Section 36 of the Constitution raised questions which should be determined on appeal.
It said that the ex parte order proscribing it was unlawful and said a related appeal was pending before the Supreme Court.
The group also said the reported deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State is part of its reasons for distrusting the authorities.
