Umahi Says Federal Government Willing to Negotiate Kanu’s Release

The Federal Government has indicated its readiness to engage in negotiations over the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), but says such talks must not be used as leverage for political support.

Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, made the statement during a media briefing in Lagos on Friday night, where he refuted claims that the South East region had set Kanu’s release as a condition for backing President Bola Tinubu.

“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 praised President Tinubu for what he described as remarkable efforts in reviving the nation’s economy and restoring global confidence in Nigeria.

“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.

Umahi, who affirmed the South East’s support for Tinubu, said the region would stand behind him in the 2027 elections. He listed ongoing federal infrastructure projects, including road rehabilitation, as evidence of Tinubu’s commitment to the region—projects, he noted, were long neglected by previous administrations.

“Let those criticising the President show us what they have done for the country,” he said.

Reacting to claims of marginalisation in federal appointments, the minister insisted that Tinubu had done more for the region than past leaders. He called for unity among political actors in the South East, regardless of party lines, and applauded even opposition governors in the region who have maintained cordial ties with the President.

On the possibility of running for president in 2027, Umahi firmly ruled it out.

“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,” he declared.

Federal Government Open To Kanu’s Release But Rejects Political Conditions