Candidates for the Anambra gubernatorial election have refused to express support or condemnation for the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

During a live debate organised by Arise News in Awka, the Anambra state capital, on Monday, Andy Uba of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Charles Soludo of the All Pogressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and Valentine Ozigbo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) recommended dialogue with the separatist group instead of outright condemnation.

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Asked of their stand on the activities of the group, Andy Uba said there was a need for dialogue to determine the agitations and wants of the group. He also said some members of the group were in need of employment and that could be discussed between the government and the group.

Faulting Uba’s position, Soludo said the agitations of the group were public knowledge and no one needed dialogue to obtain them. Although he condemned Uba’s fact-seeking proposal, saying, “You know what IPOB is all about; you’re either for or against”, he also failed to either support or condemn the group.

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Soludo said dialogue was important for the agitators to bring their agitation to the table, and that the government should propose its alternative views for the prosperity of Anambra.

Ozigbo was divided on his position on the group. He said there were “certain things” he supported and things he condemned about IPOB.

He faulted the state and federal governments for creating “extremism” in IPOB, and said work needed to be done to address the situation internally.

The state election is scheduled for Saturday, November 6.