The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to ensure the immediate listing and hearing of its detained leader Nnamdi Kanu’s appeal, threatening to boycott the 2027 general election if its demand is not met.
IPOB spokesman, Emma Powerful, said the ultimatum followed concerns over the delay in hearing Kanu’s appeal against his conviction and life sentence.
According to the group, Kanu has written to the Chief Justice of Nigeria and the President of the Court of Appeal, seeking the immediate listing and hearing of his pending cases.
IPOB accused the Federal Government of moving swiftly to prosecute and convict Kanu but failing to defend the conviction before the Court of Appeal.
The group said it would consider mobilising a boycott of the 2027 elections across the South-East and other parts of “Biafraland” if the government fails to act within 14 days.
IPOB also criticised the Supreme Court’s decision overturning Kanu’s discharge and acquittal by the Court of Appeal, alleging that the apex court exceeded its constitutional powers.
The group maintained that the Federal Government must defend both Kanu’s conviction and the legal basis for the resumed trial.
IPOB further rejected arguments that an election boycott would encourage rigging, saying a collective refusal to participate would demonstrate the people’s loss of confidence in the electoral and judicial system.
