ICYMI: IPOB gives FG 14-day ultimatum over Nnamdi Kanu’s appeal, threatens 2027 election boycott

Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to ensure that the appeal filed by its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, is listed and heard, threatening to boycott the 2027 general elections if the demand is not met.

The group said the proposed boycott could affect elections across the South-East and other areas it describes as “Biafraland.”

IPOB’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, announced the ultimatum in a statement on September 1, amid concerns over the delay in the hearing of Kanu’s appeal.

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The group accused the Federal Government of moving swiftly to prosecute and secure Kanu’s conviction while allegedly showing little urgency in responding to the appeal.

IPOB said Kanu’s family had raised concerns over the delay and that the detained IPOB leader 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 cases.

“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 said.

“A government that cannot face its Court of Appeal has no right to demand our votes.”

IPOB questioned the legal basis of Kanu’s conviction and continued detention, asking the Federal Government to explain the law under which he was convicted and the specific offences supporting his continued imprisonment.

The group also criticised previous judicial decisions relating to Kanu’s case, including the handling of his earlier discharge and acquittal by the Court of Appeal.

According to IPOB, the delay in the appeal raises serious concerns about due process and public confidence in the judicial system.

The group argued that its proposed withdrawal from future elections would represent a political statement by people who have lost confidence in the electoral system.

IPOB said it would review its position on participation in the 2027 general elections if its demand for the listing and hearing of Kanu’s appeal was not met within the 14-day deadline.

The development could add a new political dimension to preparations for the 2027 general elections, particularly in the South-East, where voter participation could become a major issue.

The Federal Government had yet to issue an official response to IPOB’s latest ultimatum as of the time of filing this report.