By Pascal Oparada (Social Media/Tech Reporter)
The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, said the Igbo should go out en masse and vote in Saturday’s election, ending the group’s boycott of the election.
In an audio message, Kanu urged IPOB members to troop our in their numbers and vote.
Kanu who has been calling for election boycott said some unnamed individuals have met some equally undisclosed conditions set by the group before election could hold in the South East.
“Earlier today, February 14, 2019, I received confirmation from our team that all of our pre-conditions have been met. And in view of that, I hereby lift the boycott of elections.
“IPOB was very steadfast, we have fought a very good battle; we have made it very clear to all and sundry that we are very determined and this is victory for IPOB and for the emancipation of Biafra,” Kanu said in the audio message.
He expressed hopes that the group’s demand would be met by those who accepted them.
He said IPOB’s demand for the sovereign state of Biafra remains but urged the Igbo to spread the news and encourage people to go out and vote.
“We said it from the beginning, nobody should expect us to participate in any form of elections unless our demands are met. And I am glad to tell you that they have acceded to our demands and it will be fully implemented,” he said.
“I therefore ask each and every one of you to take this good news to all our towns and villages that the boycott has been lifted. And we will all go about on the 16th of February to discharge whatever duties we have or whatever beliefs … for groups and individuals.
“Never again will they take IPOB for granted, and never again will people underrate our resolve. We have showed it to them and we shall continue to demonstrate it until Biafra republic is restored. I thank you very much and may God be with you,” he said.
On Wednesday, Kanu told BBC Igbo that IPOB will shut down the South East and ensure voting will take place in the area.