Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, has said that the release of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, should not be seen as a condition for the South-East to support President Bola Tinubu’s reelection bid in 2027.
Speaking to reporters on Friday night in Lagos, Umahi dismissed the idea that the people of the South-East had placed demands on President Tinubu in exchange for political support. According to him, although the issue of Kanu is important, it should not be used as a bargaining tool.
“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 further noted that Tinubu is a president who listens to the concerns of Nigerians, and expressed belief that Kanu’s freedom would be achieved through peaceful talks and divine intervention — not through political pressure or demands.
“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 added.
Umahi also took time to list major infrastructure works that are ongoing in the South-East under Tinubu’s administration. He said that many of these roads were abandoned by past governments and are now being fixed.
He noted that instead of making noise, Tinubu’s critics should first show their own achievements.
“Let those criticising the President show us what they have done for the country,” he said.
On the issue of appointments, Umahi said the South-East had not been neglected. He claimed that the region is now being treated fairly and receiving more attention than before.
He also called on political leaders in the region to unite, saying that South-East governors — even those from opposition parties — are working hand-in-hand with the current administration.
Umahi ended the discussion by making it clear that he has no plans to contest for the presidency 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,” he said.
