IPOB Issues 14-Day Ultimatum, Threatens 2027 Election Boycott Over Nnamdi Kanu’s Appeal

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has given the Federal Government 14 days to list and hear the appeal of its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu, warning that failure to do so could trigger a boycott of the 2027 general elections across the South-East and other parts of “Biafraland.”

The ultimatum was contained in a statement released Tuesday by IPOB’s spokesman, Emma Powerful, who said the move followed renewed concerns from Kanu’s family over delays in hearing his appeal against conviction and life sentence.

According to Powerful, Kanu has written to the Chief Justice of Nigeria and the President of the Court of Appeal demanding immediate action. He accused the government of avoiding the court after rushing to secure Kanu’s conviction.

“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 statement read.

The group questioned the legal basis of Kanu’s conviction, insisting Nigeria must defend both the judgment and the jurisdiction under which the trial resumed. IPOB also criticised the Supreme Court’s decision overturning Kanu’s earlier acquittal, arguing that the apex court exceeded its powers.

Addressing concerns that an election boycott could lead to rigging, IPOB maintained that collective refusal to participate would send a strong political message.

“A collective refusal to participate sends its own message: a people have withdrawn their consent from a system they no longer trust,” the statement added.

The ultimatum underscores growing tensions ahead of the 2027 elections, with IPOB linking its participation to progress in Kanu’s legal battle.

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