IPOB, 2019 ELECTIONS AND MATTERS ARISING

IPOB, 2019 ELECTIONS AND MATTERS ARISING

By Ogemdi Udegbunam

The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, led by Abia State born Nnamdi Kanu, has once again reiterated IPOB’s earlier stance that boycotting the 2019 general election is the most effective process that will hasten the realization of Sovereign State of Biafra.

Since his reappearance, Nnamdi Kanu has consistently reiterated that IPOB will not take part in any Nigerian election. Nnamdi Kanu believes that by not participating in Nigeria’s election, the Nigerian government and the international community will be pressurized to conduct a referendum to determine the stake of the “Biafran People” in Nigeria.

While l admire Nnamdi Kanu’s consistency and courage, I will suggest that election boycott is not the wise action to take right now.

Before I delve into my reasons for disagreeing with Nnamdi Kanu, I must say quickly that the government of Muhammadu Buhari has not treated Ndigbo fairly. It will be unfair of me to just dismiss the grievances tabled by IPOB.
Ironically, this reinforces my opinion that “Biafran People”, and, of course, IPOB, should participate in the 2019 election.

IPOB’s boycott of previous elections, especially in Anambra State, did not stop INEC from declaring the winner of the governorship election.

Likely problem that boycott of the election will cause to the Igbo people is that it will give APC a foothold into the political space of South Eastern part of Nigeria. When people vote massively in an election, it makes rigging very difficult but when there is low voter turnout, it becomes very easy to manipulate the process.

President Buhari’s body language and utterances have not been friendly towards the South Eastern part of Nigeria. The Nigerian economy and many Nigerian businesses have suffered greatly because of the economic policies of the present government. We must also note that many businesses owned by Ndigbo are affected.

Igbo people boycotting the 2019 election will drastically affect the voting strength of the zone; a development that will also help perpetuate the present crop of leaders in power.

If the situation of Nigeria is so hopeless during Buhari’s first tenure, when he still needs supporters for his second term bid, one should then think of the implication of his returning to power in 2019.

Southeastern part of Nigeria is a region where APC will get the least number of votes in the 2019 election. Boycotting the election will actually brighten President Buhari’s chances at the polls.

For Buhari to convincingly lose the 2019 presidential election, the South Eastern part of Nigerian, and of course, Ndigbo in diaspora, must actively participate in it.

Boycotting the election will be a great boost to President Muhammadu Buhari’s re-election.

IPOB and Ndigbo, in general, should not boycott the 2019 election; because, boycott or no boycott, the general election must hold; results must be announced and winners declared, and they will be constitutionally empowered to rule over all of us be you Biafran or Nigerian.

Let’s not kid ourselves, except if some sort of miracles happen, restoration of the Biafran State is far-fetched. Restructuring the country is more feasible than a referendum.
With the constitutional restructuring, each Nigerian region will develop in its own unique pace without undue interference from the federal government. This is what Ndigbo has been and should be agitating for.

Muhammadu Buhari’s administration has paid lip service to the idea of restructuring; whereas Atiku’s core manifesto revolves around restructuring.

Asking Ndigbo to boycott the 2019 election will be catastrophic to the well being of the people.