The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has accused the Enugu State government of allowing opposition parties to be attacked and subjected to political violence. According to Mazi Chris Nwaọgụ, Head of IPOB's Directorate of State, political gatherings organised by opposition groups in Enugu State, particularly in Nkanu West, have been disrupted by suspected thugs, resulting in injuries and destruction of property.
Videos and commentaries on social media show opposition groups from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Nigeria Democratic Party (NDC) being attacked by thugs allegedly sponsored by officials of the Enugu State Government. The Enugu State Government has not reacted to the accusations, which have been trending on social media, with many accusing the government of stifling opposition groups in the state.
Nwaọgụ alleged that the police had confirmed the attacks, while the All Progressives Congress (APC) had denied responsibility. IPOB described the alleged attacks as unacceptable and warned against associating the group with political violence. The group emphasised its opposition to violence and warned that its proposed election boycott should not be associated with attacks on political gatherings.
IPOB's proposed boycott of the general elections scheduled for January is linked to the continued detention and legal proceedings involving its leader, Nnamdi Kanu. Nwaọgụ urged IPOB members and supporters to remain disciplined and avoid violence. He called on the Federal Government to ensure that Kanu's appeal is listed and heard, arguing that the IPOB leader's continued detention is central to the group's position on the election.
The IPOB official stated that the method of ensuring compliance with the election boycott would be revealed nearer the time and urged members to stay disciplined. He added that anybody who wants the boycott called off should talk to the APC government and ask them to list and hear Kanu's appeal.
The statement also addressed the death of 37 suspected illegal miners who died 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 ability of government institutions to protect people in custody.
On the international dimension of IPOB's campaign for Kanu's release, Nwaọgụ referred to a letter reportedly written by Israeli Knesset member MK Afef Abed to United Nations officials on September 1, 2026, calling for the implementation of the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention Opinion No. 25/2022 concerning Kanu's detention.
Key points
- IPOB alleges opposition parties in Enugu State face attacks and violence, blaming the state government for the incidents.
- The group's proposed election boycott is linked to the continued detention of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
- IPOB emphasises its opposition to violence and warns against associating the group with political violence.
