Biafra agitation: IPOB calls for boycott of gubernatorial polls

Members of pro-Biafra group Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) have called for a boycott of gubernatorial elections in the Nigerian state of Anambra.

IPOB members marched through major roads in Onitsha capital of the state late last week following which they called for the poll boycott adding that anyone that went out to vote will die. They have also called for a sit-home on November 18 when the polls are to be held.

In a video making the rounds on social media and cited by local media portals, the protesters are heard decrying the terrorist tag imposed on them by the courts at the request of the government.

“We are not terrorists. As you can see, there will be no election. We are not going to vote. We are not going to participate.

“As you can see, we are formidable. We want the federal government to produce Nnamdi Kanu with immediate effect or there will be no peace. Come vote and die. If you vote, you will die,” members are heard saying.

Meanwhile the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it is ready for the process. The security personnel have also expressed readiness to provide security for persons who wish to assert their democratic rights.

There are five candidates going into the election. Incumbent Willie Obiano of the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA; Tony Nwoye of the governing All Progressives Congress, APC; Oseloka Obaze of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP; Osita Chidoka of United Progressive Party, UPP; and Godwin Ezeemo of the People’s Progressive Alliance, PPA.

The issue of Biafra came up during a recent television debate with a number of the contestants assuring that if elected they will cure the Biafran agitation by the provision of jobs for young people in the state.