The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has declared a total and permanent boycott of the All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing the ruling party of allegedly undermining judicial processes involving its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
The separatist group said its decision was driven by the alleged failure to list Kanu’s appeal against the judgment delivered against him on November 20, 2025.
In a statement issued by its spokesperson and Media and Publicity Secretary, Comrade Emma Powerful, IPOB accused the Federal Government of avoiding judicial scrutiny and called for the immediate listing of the appeal.
The group also demanded Kanu’s unconditional release and the restoration of a court file it claimed had gone missing at the Federal Capital Territory High Court.
IPOB maintained that it would not participate in or support the APC, insisting that the party should not receive political legitimacy from the people of the South-East.
IPOB Accuses Government of Delaying Kanu’s Appeal
Explaining its decision, IPOB alleged that the government had failed to file its respondent’s brief in Kanu’s appeal, thereby contributing to delays in the hearing of the case.
The group argued that the appeal raises fundamental constitutional questions under Section 36(12) of the Nigerian Constitution, particularly concerning the legality of convicting an individual under a law it claims had been repealed.
It accused the authorities of allowing the appeal to remain unlisted rather than addressing the legal issues raised by Kanu’s defence.
However, the allegations concerning the reasons for the delay and the status of the appeal were not independently verified in the statement.
IPOB also revisited Kanu’s earlier legal proceedings, alleging that a court file relating to his reported 14-month detention without trial following his discharge by the Court of Appeal on October 13, 2022, had gone missing at the FCT High Court.
The group described the alleged disappearance of the file as an attempt to frustrate the enforcement of Kanu’s fundamental rights.
Group Condemns Security Operations in South-East
IPOB also criticised military operations, arrests and detentions involving people in the South-East.
The group specifically raised concerns about alleged detentions at Wawa Barracks and Tiger Base, claiming that peaceful Biafrans were being targeted.
It contrasted what it described as the treatment of people in the South-East with the security response to armed groups operating in other parts of Nigeria.
The group called for an end to what it characterised as discriminatory security practices and urged authorities to respect the fundamental rights of citizens.
The claims regarding the circumstances of specific arrests and detentions were not independently established in the statement.
IPOB Accuses Umahi of Betrayal
The separatist organisation also criticised former Ebonyi State Governor and current Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, over his role in the 2017 decision by South-East governors to proscribe IPOB.
According to the group, Umahi led the South-East Governors’ Forum in adopting the position against the organisation in September 2017.
IPOB alleged that the decision contributed to subsequent military operations and casualties across Igboland.
It further referenced an Enugu State High Court ruling dated October 26, 2023, which it claimed declared the regional ban unconstitutional.
The group insisted that political leaders from the South-East who cooperate with the APC risk losing the trust of their constituents.
It also cited former Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha’s political difficulties within the APC as a warning to other regional politicians, including Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo.
IPOB accused such politicians of placing political interests above the concerns of the people they represent.
Issues Directives to Supporters
As part of its announced boycott, IPOB directed its supporters to withdraw voluntary political support from the APC.
The group urged Biafrans to boycott the party’s rallies, reject its insignia and withhold community recognition from its political activities.
However, IPOB stressed that its campaign of political disengagement must remain peaceful.
It warned against harassing or threatening ordinary citizens because of their political affiliations, emphasising that participation in or support for a political party should not become grounds for intimidation.
Demands Immediate Release of Nnamdi Kanu
Reiterating its position, IPOB demanded Kanu’s immediate and unconditional release, the listing of his appeal and the restoration of the allegedly missing court file.
The group declared that it would not reconsider its boycott of the APC unless its concerns over the judicial proceedings were addressed.
In the statement, Powerful signed off with the declaration, “No listing, no participation,” presenting the boycott as a response to what the organisation described as judicial delays and political persecution.
IPOB said it remained committed to its campaign for Kanu’s freedom and urged supporters to maintain peaceful civic engagement.
The allegations concerning the appeal, the missing court file and the conduct of government authorities require independent verification. The Federal Government and the relevant judicial authorities’ responses were not included in the statement.
