The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has declared a total and permanent political boycott of the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing the failure to list the appeal of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, against his conviction.
The group said its decision was linked to what it described as the government’s failure to respond adequately to Kanu’s appeal against the judgment delivered on November 20, 2025.
In a press statement issued by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful on Monday, IPOB accused the government of avoiding judicial scrutiny by allowing the appeal to remain unlisted at the Court of Appeal.
The group said it would not participate in, support or confer political legitimacy on the ruling party while the matter remained unresolved.
“Our position is unequivocal: we will not lend our participation, support, or political legitimacy to a party whose government fears facing our leader’s appeal,” the statement said.
IPOB alleged that the government had moved swiftly to secure Kanu’s conviction under what it described as a repealed statute but had failed to ensure that his appeal was listed for hearing.
It also accused the government of failing to file its respondent’s brief in the appeal, which it said raised constitutional questions under Section 36(12) of the 1999 Constitution regarding convictions under laws that are no longer in force.
The group called on the relevant authorities to ensure that the appeal was listed and determined by the court.
“Rather than facing judicial scrutiny before the Court of Appeal, the state has deliberately left the case unlisted,” IPOB alleged.
The organisation 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.
According to IPOB, the reported development at the FCT High Court was an attempt to frustrate efforts to enforce Kanu’s fundamental rights.
“The reported declaration that the case file regarding Onyendu’s 14-month unlawful detention without trial … went ‘missing’ at the FCT High Court is a transparent effort to frustrate fundamental rights enforcement,” the statement said.
IPOB further condemned what it described as double standards in the government’s security operations, alleging that military operations, mass arrests and detentions at Wawa Barracks and Tiger Base targeted peaceful Biafrans while armed bandits in other parts of the country operated without similar restrictions.
The group also criticised politicians from the South-East whom it accused of aligning with the APC government at the expense of the region’s interests.
It specifically accused Minister of Works Dave Umahi of contributing to the proscription of IPOB in September 2017 when he led the South-East Governors’ Forum.
IPOB alleged that the move provided justification for subsequent military operations in the region, which it said resulted in heavy casualties.
The group noted that the Enugu State High Court declared the regional ban unconstitutional on October 26, 2023, insisting that the development did not erase what it described as the consequences of the decision.
It also cited the political experiences of former Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha as a warning to other South-East politicians, including Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo, against aligning with the ruling party.
IPOB, however, directed its supporters to ensure that the boycott remained peaceful, warning against harassment or threats against people because of their political affiliations.
Under its operational directives, the group called on Biafrans to withdraw voluntary political support from the APC, boycott its rallies and refuse to display the party’s insignia.
“Civic disengagement must remain non-violent. No ordinary citizen should be harassed or threatened over political affiliations,” the statement said.
Reiterating its position, IPOB said its decision would remain in force until its demands were addressed.
“Our stance remains final: NO LISTING, NO PARTICIPATION,” the group declared.
It demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Kanu, the listing of his appeal and the restoration of the missing court file.
“List the appeal. Restore the missing court file. Let the law speak,” the statement added.
