FG Open to Negotiating Nnamdi Kanu’s Release – Tinubu’s Minister Reveals

The Federal Government has expressed willingness to negotiate the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), but warns against using his freedom as a condition for political support.

Speaking to journalists in Lagos on Friday night, the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, dismissed reports suggesting that the South East region was making Kanu’s release a prerequisite for supporting President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

“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.”

The minister praised President Tinubu’s leadership style, describing him as a “listening leader” who has taken significant steps to revive the country’s economy and earn international credibility.

“President Tinubu may not be perfect, but he is doing most things right. Look at where he picked up the economy from,” Umahi noted.
“The international community has confidence in his reforms. That is why we are getting support for our projects.”

On the issue of Kanu’s detention, Umahi emphasized that any potential release would come through “divine grace and dialogue,” not political pressure or conditions tied to electoral support.

He also declared that the South East region is fully in support of President Tinubu and would back his re-election bid in 2027.

Highlighting the progress of federal infrastructure projects across the South East, Umahi said Tinubu had revived long-abandoned road projects and development initiatives previously neglected by past administrations.

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

READ ALSO: BREAKING: Court Grants FG’s Requests For Witnesses To Testify Against Nnamdi Kanu Behind Screens

Addressing claims of marginalization in federal appointments, Umahi dismissed the accusations, stating that Tinubu has done more for the region than many of his predecessors.

He urged political leaders in the South East to unite across party lines, noting that even opposition governors in the region were working harmoniously with the President.

On his own political future, Umahi made it clear he has no intention of running for president in 2027.

“I will not run. I will work for my boss, President Tinubu,” he stated.
“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.”

“This statement reflects growing political alignment between the South East and the federal government, even as debates around Kanu’s detention continue to stir strong emotions.”