MASSOB says Igbos will not boycott general elections

The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu has consistently called on Igbos in the South-East to boycott elections until a referendum for a Biafra nation is done.

According to Vanguard, MASSOB's spokesman, Comrade Samuel Edeson, in a statement issued to newsmen, said the decision to participate in the elections is in line with the group's resolve to adopt non-violent means to actualise its desire for a Biafra nation.

MASSOB also called on Igbos who believe in the Nigerian project to come out and vote massively for the candidate of their choice.

The statement said: “The leadership of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) after our National executive council meeting which was presided by our servant leader, Comrade Uchenna Madu at our headquarters, Awgu, Enugu state which was attended by all the state, zonal, LGA coordinators and National Directors have unanimously reaffirmed our earlier position on the 2019 general elections. MASSOB agreed and declared as follows.

“That after more insightful and intensive deliberations on the current affairs of Nigeria state and future plight of the people of Biafra, MASSOB reaffirmed our primary and vowed goal of actualising Biafra through the principals of non violence and international diplomacy in collaboration and brotherhood with other progressive pro Biafra groups.

“MASSOB, having realised that Biafrans cannot forcefully impose our desirable interest on the people of Nigeria. And Also having understand the principals of non violence, MASSOB unanimously agreed and resolved that Nigeria state will independently and internally observed and conduct their political exercises including general elections in Igbo land.

“MASSOB in the wisdom of internationally recognized freedom of political participation and exercises, we declared that this year general elections of Nigeria state will not be stopped or boycotted in Biafra land. Our people that still believe in Nigeria projects is free to participate in the electoral processes of Nigeria including this year as we have allowed INEC to conduct elections in Biafra land.

“MASSOB have agreed to allowed INEC to conduct elections in Biafra land for our people that still believe in Nigeria state. MASSOB advised that other pro Biafra groups that planned to boycott the elections are entitled to stay at home during elections days. Governance are not allowed to breed anarchy and public betrayals.

“That having also realized the importance of political and economical powers and its usefulness for the self determination of Biafra actualization and restoration, MASSOB declares that Ndigbo will massively participate in Saturday’s presidential and legislatures elections on Saturday to elect credible, selfless and progressive persons for another political dimension of Biafra emancipation struggle.

“That after our thoroughly and holistic examination of all candidates for senatorial and House of Representatives in Igbo land including the presidential candidates, MASSOB will on Thursday release the names of the chosen candidates that Ndigbo will vote for on Saturday for the progressiveness of Igbo land.

ALSO READ: Igbo group disagrees with Nnamdi Kanu on election boycott

“That Nigeria elections will come and go irrespective of whoever that wins in both national and state elections. That we must continue with Biafra projects of actualization irrespective of both internal and external distractions.”

The National Assembly and Presidential elections will hold on Saturday, February 16, 2019, while the governorship and State House of Assembly elections have been scheduled for Saturday, March 2, 2019.