. Accuses FG of frustrating hearing, demands leader’s release
By Steve Oko
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has declared a total political boycott of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing the Federal Government of frustrating the appeal of its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu, against his conviction.
The pro -Biafra movement said it would boycott APC’s rallies and reject its insignia until Kanu’s appeal is listed for hearing, declaring: “No listing, no participation.”
In a statement issued by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, IPOB accused the government of failing to facilitate the hearing of the appeal against the November 20, 2025 judgment, alleging that the case remained unlisted and that the government had yet to file its respondent’s brief.
The group argued that the appeal raised fundamental constitutional questions concerning Kanu’s conviction under a law it claims had been repealed.
It urged the relevant authorities to ensure that the appeal proceeds, insisting that the courts should determine the legal issues rather than allow procedural delays to persist.
IPOB also raised concerns over what it described as the disappearance of the court file relating to Kanu’s alleged 14-month detention without trial following his discharge by the Court of Appeal on October 13, 2022.
The group called for the restoration of the file and accused the authorities of frustrating efforts to secure judicial redress.
Beyond Kanu’s legal battle, IPOB accused the Federal Government of applying double standards in its security operations, alleging that military operations, arrests and detentions targeted at people in the South-East contrasted with the handling of armed groups in other parts of the country.
The group also criticised former Ebonyi State Governor and Minister of Works, David Umahi, over his role in the 2017 decision by South-East governors to proscribe IPOB, alleging that the move contributed to subsequent security crackdowns in the region.
It further warned South-East politicians aligned with the APC against what it described as sacrificing the interests of the Igbo people for political benefits.
IPOB, however, directed its supporters to pursue the boycott peacefully, warning against harassment or threats against citizens because of their political affiliations.
Reiterating its position, the group demanded Kanu’s immediate and unconditional release, the listing of his appeal and the restoration of the allegedly missing court file.
The APC and the Federal Government had yet to respond to the allegations contained in the statement as of the time of filing this report.
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