Former lead counsel to the Indigenous People of Biafra, Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has urged residents of the South-East to reject any directive calling for a boycott of the 2027 general elections.

Ejiofor described an electoral boycott as another potential “tragedy” for the region, arguing that political grievances should not be pursued through measures that could harm ordinary residents.

His comments followed a 14-day ultimatum issued by IPOB to the Federal Government over the continued detention of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

IPOB spokesman Emma Powerful said the group could mobilise for a boycott of the 2027 elections across the South-East and other parts of “Biafraland” if Kanu’s appeal against his conviction and life sentence was not heard.

Reacting to the development, Ejiofor said electoral participation should not be turned into an offence against the collective interests of the people.

He argued that the region could not continue pursuing political objectives through strategies whose consequences were largely borne by the people they were intended to defend.

The lawyer called for the use of constitutional, judicial, political and democratic channels to address grievances and seek remedies.

Ejiofor warned that an electoral boycott could weaken the region’s political influence and leave its interests vulnerable to decisions made without adequate representation.

He said the people of the South-East had endured significant hardship and should not be subjected to another cycle of instability.

He also rejected the idea of making electoral boycott a test of loyalty or patriotism, arguing that genuine patriotism should involve protecting the peace, livelihoods and future of the people.

Ejiofor urged Igbo residents to participate in democratic processes and pursue their political interests through legitimate avenues.

He appealed to those advocating for the region to listen to the people and avoid actions that could further damage communities and the local economy.