The Federal Government has expressed willingness to negotiate the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), but insists his release should not be tied to political support.
Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, made this known on Friday during a press briefing in Lagos. He dismissed claims that the South East was making Kanu’s freedom a precondition for supporting President Bola Tinubu.
“We are open to negotiating his release, but it should not be made a condition for political loyalty. President Tinubu did not incarcerate him, so no one should use his case as leverage,” Umahi said.
He praised Tinubu’s performance in office, describing him as a “listening leader” and expressed optimism that Kanu’s release would eventually be achieved through “dialogue and divine intervention,” not political pressure.
“President Tinubu may not be perfect, but he is steering the country in the right direction. The international community is backing his economic reforms, and we’re already seeing results in the form of increased support and investments,” he added.
Umahi reiterated that the South East stands firmly behind Tinubu and will support his re-election in 2027. He pointed to ongoing federal infrastructure projects in the region, which he said had been neglected by previous governments. He also pushed back on claims of marginalisation, arguing that Tinubu had given the South East more attention than many past administrations. He urged political leaders in the region to set aside party differences and work together, noting that even opposition governors were cooperating with the President.
Addressing rumours about his presidential ambitions, Umahi said he had no intention of running in 2027.
“I won’t contest. I’m committed to supporting President Tinubu. The APC is the platform through which the South East can achieve its goals. We now have a voice at the centre, and we won’t go back to the past,” he concluded.