The Federal Government has expressed its willingness to engage in dialogue regarding the possible release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, while cautioning that such negotiations should not be tied to political demands or support.
Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, disclosed this on Friday during a press briefing with journalists in Lagos.
He clarified that President Bola Tinubu’s administration did not incarcerate Kanu and that calls for his release should not be politicised.
“We are open to discussing his release, but it should not be presented as a condition for political support from the South East,” Umahi stated.
“The President is a listening leader. I believe Kanu’s freedom will come—through divine grace and dialogue, not by political pressure.”
Umahi dismissed reports suggesting that South East leaders had made Kanu’s release a bargaining chip for supporting the Tinubu administration.
He emphasized that Tinubu had shown commitment to national unity and development.
“Somebody asked me about Nnamdi Kanu, and I said his matter is not a condition for the South East to support the President,” Umahi reiterated. “The President didn’t put him there.”
Commending Tinubu’s performance in office, the minister noted improvements in Nigeria’s economy and the increasing confidence of the international community in the President’s reform agenda.
“President Tinubu may not be perfect, but he is doing most things right,” Umahi said. “Just look at where he took over the economy from. Because of the reforms, we’re getting international support for major infrastructure projects.”
He also assured that the South East geopolitical zone was firmly behind Tinubu and would support his second-term ambition in 2027.
Highlighting federal projects in the region, Umahi said, “There are road and infrastructure works in the South East that previous administrations ignored. This President is changing that.”
On allegations of marginalisation in federal appointments, Umahi dismissed the concerns, arguing that the Tinubu-led government had given the region a stronger voice in national affairs.
“The South East now has a voice at the centre. Even opposition governors are working with the President. We need to come together across party lines,” he added.
Addressing speculations about his political future, Umahi ruled out contesting for the presidency in 2027, saying, “I will not run. I am committed to working for my boss, President Tinubu. APC is the way to achieve our goals. We will not return to Egypt.”