The Federal Government has signalled its willingness to negotiate the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), but has warned against making his freedom a political condition for electoral support.
Speaking to journalists in Lagos on Friday night, Minister of Works Senator Dave Umahi, dismissed suggestions that the South East was tying its backing for President Bola Tinubu to the fate of the pro-Biafra agitator.
“Somebody asked me about Nnamdi Kanu, and I said his matter is not a condition for the South East to support the President,” Umahi said. “We are willing to negotiate his release, but no one should make it a condition because the President did not put him there.”
Umahi, a former governor of Ebonyi State and a key political figure in the South East, praised President Tinubu as a “listening leader” and expressed optimism that Kanu’s case would be resolved “through divine grace and dialogue,” rather than pressure or political ultimatums.
He also defended Tinubu’s economic policies and infrastructure agenda, claiming the administration had inherited a deeply troubled economy but had made significant gains in restoring international confidence.
“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,” he said.
Rejecting claims of marginalisation, Umahi pointed to renewed federal investment in the South East, including long-neglected road projects, as evidence of the region’s increasing inclusion under Tinubu’s leadership.
He urged unity among political leaders in the region—across party lines—and highlighted growing collaboration even with opposition governors. “The South East now has a voice at the centre. We will not return to Egypt,” he said, using a biblical metaphor for regression.
Amid speculation about his future ambitions, Umahi was unequivocal about his loyalty to the president: “I will not run. I will work for my boss, President Tinubu. APC is the path to achieving what we want.”
With pressure mounting over Kanu’s continued detention—following multiple court orders demanding his release—the government’s latest remarks may signal a shift in tone. But Umahi’s comments also underscore the administration’s determination to separate justice from political horse-trading, even as it seeks to shore up support ahead of the 2027 general elections.
