The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has warned Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to stop seeing himself as an emperor but rather to humble himself to “the true leadership of Ndigbo for a proper and better articulation of the Biafra struggle”.

The warning was contained in an open letter to Kanu, signed by Ifeatu Obiokoye, APGA’s National Publicity Secretary, and made available to the media in Awka, the Anambra State capital, late on Monday.

In the letter, the party described Kanu’s call for citizens to shun the forthcoming governorship election in the state as callous and irresponsible.

According to APGA, Kanu had no authority to speak for all Igbo of the South-East, even though he is the leader of IPOB.

“Nnamdi Kanu’s call for a boycott of elections in the South-East, beginning with the governorship polls scheduled for November 18, 2017 in Anambra, is irresponsible, irredentist and totally devoid of any focus,” the letter read.

It also pointed out that “the right to vote and be voted for is a universally declared right under the United Nations Charter of People’s and Citizenship Right, and in the 1999 Constitution (as amended).”

The party said the concept of Biafra is a metaphor for the demand for equity and fair play in the Nigerian state and not necessarily a secessionist movement.

It said,“You must appreciate that for different logical reasons and perception, the Biafra concept has attracted favourable comments among our people, ostensibly borne out of the marginalisation of Ndigbo in the Nigerian state.

“While youths of the East are agitating for Biafra, the Arewa youths are equally restive; the same goes for Níger Delta youths and youths from Oduduwa states.

“In this popular agitation for Biafra, Ndigbo have not instituted a separatist movement or a terrorist gang as it were. We are more concerned about the continued existence of Nigeria under the present structural arrangement.”

APGA said that it supports the call for the restructuring of the country and implementation of the 2014 National Conference resolutions, saying such move will boost peaceful co-existence among ethnic nationalities and douse tension.

The party warned Kanu not to be carried away by the success of the May 30 sit-at-home call, which was attributable to many reasons, including fear.

It advised the IPOB leader to stop seeing himself as an “emperor”but to “humble yourself to the true leadership of Ndigbo for a proper and better articulation of the Biafra struggle.”