IPOB withdraws boycott order, harps on issues before voters, INEC

Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has affirmed that the group has withdrawn its threat that Ndigbo will boycott the general elections.

In his verified Facebook account, Kanu called off the threat, saying: “Having confirmed on Thursday, February 14 that our preconditions and terms have been met, signed sealed and delivered, I hereby call-off the election boycott in Biafra on February 16, 2019.

“I dedicate this victory to IPOB family worldwide. But the challenge is how many IPOB members have their permanent voters cards? How many of their family members have cards?

But for Anambra voters, the election is an opportunity to hit back at President Muhammadu Buhari in order to stymie his anti-Igbo decisions.

Also yesterday, Anambra people carried on their normal socio-economic activities, oblivious of today’s elections.

Government offices and other public places, including banks, schools, markets, motor parks and private offices in Awka, Onitsha, Nnewi and their environs were all conducting their businesses under a calm and peaceful atmosphere.

Speaking to The Guardian, a civil servant, Juliet Okonkwo said: “Don’t expect voter apathy from Anambra people today. Forget IPOB’s threats.

“Anambra people will come out en masse to vote. Also, expect that some IPOB members will be out in their regalia to intimidate or harass innocent people, but we will come out to cast our vote, because people believe IPOB is a fraud.”

Pointing out one reason that has made everybody in the East to treat the group with levity, Okonkwo said when soldiers did Operation Python Dance, Kanu and his family members escaped, but innocent people died. Why do they want to control our lives? We will come out to vote.”

They also believe that IPOB is a campaign issue and may have been compromised.

“In igboland, people are not ready to accept the All Progressives Congress (APC), especially since the Python Dance and other activities of government. So, many are ready to vote.”

She noted that in Africa, issue of ideology in politics does not count. If not, Governor Willie Obiano should be the toast. Under his stewardship, the state’s economy has been stable and workers salaries are paid as and when due.

However, in spite of his moves and body support for Buhari, Anambra people are ready to listen to him. They are set to vote massively for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), because under Buhari’s watch, marginalisation against the Igbo has been at its peak.

On Thursday, February 14, 2019, aggrieved members of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) collapsed their structures and revamped to PDP in readiness for the election.

Director General Atiku-Obi Presidential Campaign Organisation, Dr. Henry Oranezi, warned that PDP would resist the use of manual voting method.

Oranezi, a former candidate for Ekwusigo, Nnewi North and Nnewi South Federal constituency, accused the A PC and APGA of masterminding the INEC arson in the state.

The Guardian learnt that some of the ad hoc staff recruited and trained by INEC for the conduct of the election were shocked that their names were missing from the final list after they had received messages to resume.