Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, says the Federal Government is open to negotiating the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), but warned against politicising the issue or using it as leverage for political support.
Speaking with journalists in Lagos on Friday night, Umahi stressed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu did not initiate Kanu’s detention and that any resolution would come through lawful dialogue not political blackmail.
“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,” Umahi said.
He described President Tinubu as a listening leader committed to national unity, adding that the administration inherited a troubled economy but has made commendable reforms that are now drawing international support.
“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,” Umahi noted.
The former Ebonyi State governor stated that the South East is aligned with Tinubu’s leadership and pledged the region’s support for his 2027 re-election bid. He pointed to ongoing federal infrastructure projects and increased political inclusion as signs of Tinubu’s commitment to the zone.
“Tinubu has done more for the South East than many past leaders. Even opposition governors in the region are cooperating well with the President. We now have a voice at the centre,” he added.
Umahi also called for unity among Igbo leaders across party lines, urging them to back the president’s development vision rather than pursue divisive rhetoric.
Clearing speculations about his own political ambitions, Umahi declared:
“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.”
