Election Boycott: IPOB Demands Kanu Appeal Hearing, Warns Against Violence

By Admin

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has accused the Enugu State Government of allowing political violence and attacks against opposition parties, while reiterating its decision to boycott the forthcoming general elections.

The group made the allegations in an address on Monday by Mazi Chris Nwaọgụ, Head of the Fourth Administration of IPOB’s Directorate of State (DOS).

Nwaọgụ alleged that political gatherings organised by opposition groups in Enugu State had been disrupted by suspected thugs, particularly in Nkanu West, resulting in injuries and destruction of property.

The Enugu State Government has not reacted to the accusation, which has been trending, particularly on social media, with many accusing the government of stifling opposition groups in the state.

Videos and commentaries on social media showed opposition groups from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which Governor Peter Mbah was a member of and won his election on its platform, and the Nigeria Democratic Party (NDC) of Peter Obi being attacked by thugs allegedly sponsored by officials of the Enugu State Government.

Venues of meetings and rallies were attacked, with videos showing attendees scampering for safety.

IPOB described the development as unacceptable, saying, “What is happening in Enugu is unacceptable.
“Governor Peter Mbah’s political space has become a theatre of thugs disrupting rallies and ward meetings of opponents. Opposition gatherings in Nkanu West have been invaded. People have been shot. Canopies and chairs have been destroyed.”

Nwaọgụ further claimed that the police had confirmed the attacks, while alleging that the All Progressives Congress (APC) had denied responsibility.

“The police confirm the attacks. The APC denies everything. The pattern is what matters,” he said.

Nwaọgụ said IPOB opposed political violence and warned that its proposed election boycott should not be associated with attacks on political gatherings.
“Let me say this clearly, so nobody hijacks our name: IPOB is against every form of violence,” he said.

“A boycott is not a licence to disrupt rallies. A boycott is not a licence to unleash thugs.”

The IPOB official reiterated the group’s position that it would boycott the general elections scheduled for January, linking the decision to the continued detention and legal proceedings involving its leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

“The method we will use to ensure compliance with the election boycott will be revealed nearer the time,” Nwaọgụ said.

He, however, urged IPOB members and supporters to remain disciplined and avoid violence.

“Stay disciplined. Do not give them the riot they are praying for,” he said.
Nwaọgụ also called on the Federal Government to ensure that Kanu’s appeal is listed and heard, arguing that the IPOB leader’s continued detention was central to the group’s position on the election.
“The boycott is not a threat. It is a promise,” he said.

“Anybody who wants it called off should stop talking to IPOB and talk to the APC government. Tell them to list and hear Onyendu’s appeal. Time is going.”
He said IPOB would maintain its proposed boycott if the appeal was not heard.

“If they refuse, there will be a total boycott of the coming elections across Biafraland and beyond,” he said.

The statement also addressed the death of 37 suspected illegal miners who died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State.

Nwaọgụ criticised the circumstances surrounding the deaths and called for accountability, while questioning the ability of government institutions to protect people in custody.

“If this is how they treat boys accused of digging for gold, do not ask us why we refuse to trust them with Onyendu, or with our missing sons in the East,” he said.

On the international dimension of IPOB’s campaign for Kanu’s release, Nwaọgụ referred to a letter reportedly written by Israeli Knesset member MK Afef Abed to United Nations officials on September 1, 2026.

According to the statement, the letter called for the implementation of the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention Opinion No. 25/2022 concerning Kanu’s detention.

Nwaọgụ also referred to previous interventions by United States Congressman John James and developments in Catalonia, presenting them as part of the group’s international campaign.

The IPOB official said the organisation would continue efforts to secure Kanu’s release and support people detained or injured in connection with the separatist movement.

“Our lawyers have commenced the appeals of those illegally detained. Those injured are receiving treatment. Prison outreach continues in Igweocha, Owerri, Enugu and Abakaliki,” he said.

Nwaọgụ also restated IPOB’s opposition to the proscription of the organisation, saying its appeal against the order was pending before the Supreme Court.

He further raised legal arguments concerning Kanu’s conviction, including provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention) Act and the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act 2022.

Nwaọgụ argued that the relevant legal provisions did not support Kanu’s conviction and accused the government of failing to pursue the pending proceedings.

He said, “Section 36(12) has already answered the question. No written law defining the offence and prescribing the punishment — no conviction.”

The IPOB official also accused the Nigerian government and judiciary of failing to advance Kanu’s appeal, although the statement did not provide independent evidence for the allegations.
Beyond the election boycott, Nwaọgụ said IPOB was working towards greater unity among groups within the movement and called for an end to internal divisions.

He said the organisation would continue contacting groups it considered genuine members of the movement, with the aim of establishing a more structured organisation.

Nwaọgụ reiterated IPOB’s demand for Kanu’s immediate and unconditional release and urged members to remain committed to the group’s objectives.
“Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu must be released immediately and unconditionally,” he said.

“List the appeal. Hear it. Or face the promise,” he warned.