The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has warned against linking its planned boycott of the 2027 general elections to attacks on political gatherings in Enugu State.
The group also accused the Enugu State Government of allowing suspected political thugs to disrupt opposition meetings and rallies, particularly in Nkanu West Local Government Area.
IPOB’s Head of the Directorate of State (DOS), Mazi Chris Nwaọgụ, made the claims in a statement on Monday, alleging that recent attacks left some people injured while canopies, chairs and other property were destroyed. Reports on the alleged incidents include attacks on political gatherings in Nkanu West on September 12.
Nwaọgụ said IPOB should not be blamed for the violence, stressing that the group’s proposed election boycott was not an invitation for anyone to attack political opponents.
“IPOB is against every form of violence. A boycott is not a licence to disrupt rallies. A boycott is not a licence to unleash thugs,” he said.
He alleged that the police had confirmed the attacks, while the All Progressives Congress (APC) denied involvement. The Enugu State Government had not publicly responded to the accusation as of Monday.
The IPOB official nevertheless reaffirmed the group’s decision to boycott the forthcoming elections, linking the position to the continued legal proceedings involving its leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
According to Nwaọgụ, the boycott would remain in place unless the Federal Government ensures that Kanu’s pending appeal is listed and heard.
“The boycott is not a threat. It is a promise,” he said, urging those seeking an end to the boycott to focus on the government and the pending appeal.
IPOB had earlier issued a 14-day demand for Kanu’s appeal to be listed and heard, warning that failure to address the matter could lead to a boycott of the 2027 elections across areas it identifies as Biafraland.
Nwaọgụ also urged IPOB members and supporters to remain disciplined and avoid actions that could escalate tensions.
“Stay disciplined. Do not give them the riot they are praying for,” he said.
The IPOB official further raised concerns over the reported deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State, questioning the circumstances surrounding the incident.
He also cited alleged international interventions concerning Kanu’s detention and reaffirmed IPOB’s commitment to providing legal and welfare support to members facing detention or legal proceedings.
The group also maintained its opposition to its proscription and said its legal challenge against the order remains before the Supreme Court.
