The Federal Government has expressed its willingness to negotiate the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), but emphasized that such discussions should not be tied to political bargaining or regional support.
Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, made the statement on Friday night during an interaction with journalists in Lagos.
Dismissing suggestions that the South East had made Kanu’s release a precondition for supporting President Bola Tinubu, Umahi said:
“Somebody asked me about Nnamdi Kanu, and I said his matter is not a condition for the South East to support the President.
We are willing to negotiate his release, but no one should make it a condition because the President did not put him there.”
The minister praised President Tinubu’s performance since assuming office, describing him as a responsive and reform-driven leader.
Umahi expressed optimism that a resolution to Kanu’s detention would be achieved, but stressed that it must happen through non-confrontational means.
“President Tinubu may not be perfect, but he is doing most things right.
Look at where he picked up the economy from.
The international community has confidence in his reforms. That is why we are getting support for our projects.”
Umahi affirmed the South East’s support for President Tinubu and indicated the region’s readiness to back his re-election in 2027.
He pointed to various ongoing infrastructure projects in the region, many of which he said had been long abandoned—as evidence of Tinubu’s commitment to development.
“Let those criticising the President show us what they have done for the country,” he added.
Responding to concerns over alleged marginalisation in federal appointments, Umahi dismissed the claims and argued that the current administration had done more for the South East than many of its predecessors.
He urged political unity in the region, regardless of party affiliation, and commended even opposition governors for cooperating with the Tinubu-led government.
Regarding his own political future, Umahi addressed rumours of a potential presidential bid in 2027: “I will not run. I will work for my boss, President Tinubu. APC is the path to achieving what we want.
The South East now has a voice at the centre.
We will not return to Egypt.”
