The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has reaffirmed its position to boycott the 2027 general elections if the appeal of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, is not listed and heard.
The group’s position was contained in a video message by Mazi Chris Nwaogu, who heads IPOB’s Directorate of State.
In the message now being reposted across X and other social media platforms, Nwaogu made it clear that the group has not backed down from the position it announced.
“The boycott of 2027 elections is not a threat, it is a promise. Anybody who wants this boycott called off should stop talking to IPOB and talk to the APC government.” he said.
The statement comes after IPOB gave the Federal Government 14 days to ensure that Kanu’s pending appeal is listed and heard by the Court of Appeal.
IPOB had announced the ultimatum on August 31, 2026, saying it would consider a boycott of the 2027 elections across the South-East and other areas it refers to as Biafraland if its demand was not met.
In its earlier statement, signed by its spokesman, Emma Powerful, the group said, “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. A government that cannot face its Court of Appeal has no right to demand our votes.”
IPOB said the demand followed concerns over the delay in hearing Kanu’s appeal against his conviction and life sentence.
According to the group, Kanu had written to the Chief Justice of Nigeria and the President of the Court of Appeal seeking the listing and hearing of his pending cases.
The group also questioned the Federal Government’s handling of the appeal, alleging that it had not filed a respondent’s brief or taken steps to have the matter heard.
The renewed statement from Nwaogu comes after former IPOB lead counsel, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, publicly urged residents of the South-East to reject any directive to boycott the 2027 elections.
Ejiofor said electoral boycott as a move that could have serious consequences for the region and called on the people to pursue their interests through legitimate political and judicial channels.
For now, IPOB’s position remains that the proposed election boycott is tied to the hearing of Kanu’s appeal.
The 14-day period given to the Federal Government was announced on August 31 and is still running.