The All Igbo Youth Forum has issued a stern warning that Igbo youths will boycott the 2027 general elections unless the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, is released by President Bola Tinubu's administration.
Chief Chinedu Obilor, National President of the forum, revealed that the group had suspended a planned protest following discussions with the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Benjamin Kalu, who assured them that dialogue with the President regarding Kanu's release was in progress.
"We believe the President will listen to the cry of Ndigbo and release Kanu," Obilor stated. He emphasized that the forum's position remains unwavering, declaring, "they cannot leave Nnamdi Kanu and be talking of 2027."
The group has granted the Deputy Speaker a two-month window to engage with President Tinubu on the matter, insisting that Kalu must present their demand for Kanu's release to the President as an urgent priority.
"If they fail, we will march 10 million strong to Abuja and dare them to jail us all," Obilor warned, questioning the continued detention of Kanu despite the release of other agitators and suspected terrorists across Nigeria.
Allegations of Marginalization
The forum's president also condemned what he described as the exclusion of Igbos from recent federal political appointments, labeling it as unacceptable marginalization.
"How can we say we're one Nigeria when Igbo people are always excluded?" he questioned, expressing frustration over what the group perceives as systematic sidelining of the Igbo community in national affairs.
Obilor criticized northern interest in the 2027 presidency, describing it as unjust and provocative. "Any coalition that won't cede the ticket to the South will not fly," he cautioned, arguing that the North had already enjoyed eight years under former President Muhammadu Buhari, and it was now time for the principle of equity to be upheld.
"The South must complete its eight years before power returns North," he insisted.
Criticism of Igbo Leadership
The youth leader expressed disappointment in some Igbo political figures, accusing them of undermining Kanu's cause. "Some of them are behind Kanu's plight and they are deceiving the President," he alleged.
He urged President Tinubu to listen to Igbo youths rather than political elites from the South-East, warning that failure to do so could result in significant political consequences in 2027. Obilor cautioned the President against relying on politicians who, in his view, lack grassroots legitimacy.
"We who live here with our families have the real followers," Obilor concluded, emphasizing the forum's readiness to mobilize mass protests if their demands are not met.
Stay updated on this developing story by following BenriNews on our social media platforms:
