Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has announced the call-off of the boycott of the 2019 Nigerian general elections scheduled for February 16, 2019, and March 2, 2019.
Kanu had earlier called on the people of the South-East region to boycott all elections in Nigeria, insisting on a date for a referendum and other demands before the boycott could be lifted.
However, Kanu, in a recorded message made available to journalists on Friday, February 15, 2019, by IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, explained that the call-off was as a result of an agreement reached yesterday between IPOB and the Federal Government.
He described it as a victory for IPOB and victory for the emancipation of Biafra.
His words: “All of our preconditions placed before those seeking us to call off the election boycott have been met and in view of that, I hereby call off the election boycott.
“IPOB was very steadfast. We have fought a very good battle. We have made it very clear that we are very determined.”
While urging people to spread “the good news”, the IPOB Leader expressed joy that the group’s demands have been acceded to, saying that all would be implemented.
He added: “Never again will they take IPOB for granted. Never again will people underestimate our resolve and rebellion.
“We have shown it to them and we shall continue to demonstrate it until Biafra is completely restored.”
Though no date has been fixed for the referendum, Comrade Emma Powerful said that people are free to either go out and vote or remain at home.
Responding to a question on IPOB’s choice of candidate for Saturday’s presidential election, Powerful said: “We as IPOB members are not politicians; we are freedom fighters and our interest is the restoration of Biafra.”
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