The Federal Government has been given a 14-day deadline by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to list and hear its leader Nnamdi Kanu’s appeal against his conviction.
Concerned about what the organization called “delays in the legal process,” IPOB made the demand in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, on Tuesday, September 1.
In addition to calling on the Federal Government to resolve the unresolved legal issues pertaining to Kanu’s case, the organization questioned Kanu’s ongoing confinement and the validity of his conviction.
The group claims that a complete boycott of upcoming elections in Biafraland and elsewhere would occur if Kanu’s appeal is not listed and heard within 14 days.
IPOB also mentioned a separate legal appeal before the Supreme Court over the continuation of Kanu’s trial after some accusations against him had previously been dropped.
IPOB stated that the Federal Government should either defend the conviction and the jurisdiction of the restarted trial in court or free Kanu.
The group also insisted that their suggested boycott of the election should not be seen as only a move that would help President Bola Tinubu’s government.
IPOB claimed that its followers took part in the 2023 election but then contested the results and filed fruitless legal challenges, despite not having called for a boycott.
According to the organization, people who had lost faith in the electoral system made a political statement by collectively refusing to take part in elections.
IPOB therefore urged those opposed to the proposed boycott to focus on ensuring that Kanu’s appeal is heard, while reiterating its demand for his immediate and unconditional release.