By Haruna Salami
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has accused the Enugu State Government of allowing political violence and attacks on opposition parties in the state, while reaffirming its decision to boycott the forthcoming general elections.
The group made the allegations in an address on Monday by Mazi Chris Nwaọgụ, Head of the Fourth Administration of IPOB’s Directorate of State (DOS).
Nwaọgụ alleged that political gatherings organised by opposition groups in Enugu State had been disrupted by suspected thugs, particularly in Nkanu West, leaving some participants injured and property destroyed.
The Enugu State Government has yet to respond to the allegations, which have generated widespread reactions, particularly on social media, where some commentators have accused the government of suppressing opposition activities.
Videos and commentaries circulating online purportedly showed members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), associated with Peter Obi, being attacked by thugs allegedly sponsored by officials of the Enugu State Government.
Governor Peter Mbah was elected on the platform of the PDP. The reported attacks occurred at venues of meetings and rallies, with footage showing participants fleeing for safety.
Describing the alleged incidents as unacceptable, IPOB said political activities in the state had increasingly been disrupted by violence.
“What is happening in Enugu is unacceptable.
“Governor Peter Mbah’s political space has become a theatre of thugs disrupting rallies and ward meetings of opponents. Opposition gatherings in Nkanu West have been invaded. People have been shot. Canopies and chairs have been destroyed,” Nwaọgụ said.
He further claimed that the police had confirmed the attacks, while alleging that the All Progressives Congress (APC) had denied responsibility.
“The police confirm the attacks. The APC denies everything. The pattern is what matters,” he said.
Nwaọgụ stressed that IPOB was opposed to political violence, warning that the group’s proposed election boycott should not be used as a justification for disrupting political gatherings or attacking opponents.
“Let me say this clearly, so nobody hijacks our name: IPOB is against every form of violence,” he said.
“A boycott is not a licence to disrupt rallies. A boycott is not a licence to unleash thugs.”
IPOB Links Election Boycott to Nnamdi Kanu’s Detention
The IPOB official reiterated the group’s resolve to boycott the general elections scheduled for January, linking the decision to the continued detention and ongoing legal proceedings involving its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
He said the group would disclose its strategy for enforcing compliance with the boycott closer to the election period.
“The method we will use to ensure compliance with the election boycott will be revealed nearer the time,” Nwaọgụ stated.
He, however, urged IPOB members and supporters to remain disciplined and refrain from violence.
“Stay disciplined. Do not give them the riot they are praying for,” he said.
Nwaọgụ also called on the Federal Government to ensure that Kanu’s appeal was listed and heard, maintaining that the IPOB leader’s continued detention remained central to the group’s position on the election.
“The boycott is not a threat. It is a promise,” he declared.
“Anybody who wants it called off should stop talking to IPOB and talk to the APC government. Tell them to list and hear Onyendu’s appeal. Time is going.”
He warned that IPOB would proceed with the proposed boycott if the appeal was not heard.
“If they refuse, there will be a total boycott of the coming elections across Biafraland and beyond,” he said.
IPOB Demands Accountability Over Miners’ Deaths
The statement also addressed the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who reportedly died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State.
Nwaọgụ criticised the circumstances surrounding the deaths and called for accountability, questioning the capacity of government institutions to protect individuals in custody.
“If this is how they treat boys accused of digging for gold, do not ask us why we refuse to trust them with Onyendu, or with our missing sons in the East,” he said.
On the international dimension of IPOB’s campaign for Kanu’s release, Nwaọgụ cited a letter reportedly written by Israeli Knesset member MK Afef Abed to United Nations officials on September 1, 2026.
According to the statement, the letter called for the implementation of the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention Opinion No. 25/2022 concerning Kanu’s detention.
He also referenced previous interventions by United States Congressman John James and developments in Catalonia, presenting them as part of IPOB’s international campaign for the release of its leader.
Nwaọgụ said the organisation would continue pursuing Kanu’s release while supporting individuals detained or injured in connection with the separatist movement.
“Our lawyers have commenced the appeals of those illegally detained. Those injured are receiving treatment. Prison outreach continues in Igweocha, Owerri, Enugu and Abakaliki,” he said.
Group Challenges Proscription, Kanu’s Conviction
Nwaọgụ also reiterated IPOB’s opposition to its proscription, stating that the organisation’s appeal against the proscription order remained pending before the Supreme Court.
He raised legal arguments concerning Kanu’s conviction, citing provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention) Act and the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act 2022.
The IPOB official argued that the relevant legal provisions did not support Kanu’s conviction and accused the government of failing to advance the pending legal proceedings.
“Section 36(12) has already answered the question. No written law defining the offence and prescribing the punishment — no conviction,” he said.
He further accused the Nigerian government and judiciary of failing to facilitate the hearing of Kanu’s appeal, although the statement did not provide independent evidence to substantiate the allegations.
Beyond the election boycott and Kanu’s detention, Nwaọgụ said IPOB was working towards greater unity among groups within the movement, urging an end to internal divisions.
He said the organisation would continue engaging groups it considered genuine members of the movement, with the aim of building a more structured organisation.
Reaffirming IPOB’s demand for Kanu’s immediate and unconditional release, Nwaọgụ urged members to remain committed to the group’s objectives.
“Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu must be released immediately and unconditionally,” he said.
“List the appeal. Hear it. Or face the promise,” he warned.
