The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has reiterated its decision to boycott the forthcoming general elections as it raised concerns over alleged attacks on opposition political gatherings in Enugu State.
The boycot threat was contained in an address yesterday 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 had been disrupted by suspected thugs, particularly in Nkanu West, resulting in injuries and damage to property.
The state government has not reacted to the allegation, which has been widely discussed, particularly on social media.
Videos and commentaries shared on social media showed opposition groups from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which Governor Peter Mbah was a member and won his election on its platform, and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) of Peter Obi, being attacked by suspected thugs allegedly sponsored by officials of the state government.
According to the material, meeting and rally venues were attacked, with videos showing attendees leaving the locations.
Nwaọgụ said IPOB opposed political violence and maintained that its proposed election boycott should not be associated with attacks on political gatherings.
He said, “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 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.
He said IPOB was against every form of violence and urged members and supporters not to associate the group with attacks on political gatherings.
“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.”
Nwaọgụ reiterated the group’s position that it would boycott the general elections scheduled for January, linking the decision to the continued detention and legal proceedings involving its leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
“The method we will use to ensure compliance with the election boycott will be revealed nearer the time,” he said.
He, however, urged IPOB members and supporters to remain disciplined and avoid 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, arguing that his continued detention was central to the group’s position on the election.
“The boycott is not a threat. It is a promise.
