IPOB Gives FG 14 Days to List Kanu Appeal or Risk 2027 Election Boycott

The Indigenous People of Biafra has set a 14-day deadline for the Federal Government to move Nnamdi Kanu's appeal to court hearing, warning it will mobilise supporters to boycott the 2027 general election across the Southeast and areas it considers part of Biafraland if the demand is not met. The ultimatum was delivered through IPOB's leadership structure, with Mazi Chris Nwaogu, who heads the group's Directorate of State, announcing the position in a video broadcast on Monday.

IPOB's spokesperson Emma Powerful reinforced the position in a separate statement issued on Tuesday. IPOB's demand stems from what the group characterises as deliberate delays by the Federal Government in processing Kanu's appeal.

The group argues that the government moved swiftly to secure Kanu's conviction and life sentence through the courts but has since slowed its pace in pursuing the appellate process. The family of the detained IPOB leader has also raised concerns about the extended waiting period for the appeal hearing.

The group has also questioned the legal foundation for Kanu's continued detention. IPOB contends that the extended delay without scheduled court proceedings about the legitimacy of holding Kanu in custody while his case remains unheard in the appellate system.

The organisation states that immediate action to list and hear the appeal is necessary. Kanu was convicted and handed a life sentence in a trial conducted by Nigeria's lower court.

His appeal against this conviction remains pending before the Court of Appeal. The case has become a focal point for IPOB, which has tied judicial resolution to electoral participation across the Southeast region.