Nnamdi Kanu’s Release Not a Condition for South-East Support for Tinubu in 2027 – Umahi

Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, has stated that the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), should not be considered a condition for the South-East region to support President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections. Speaking with journalists in Lagos on Friday night, Umahi dismissed suggestions that the South-East had presented any conditions, including Kanu’s release, for backing the President’s re-election bid.

According to the former governor of Ebonyi State, while discussions around Kanu’s release are open to negotiation, it should not be politicised or 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,” he said.

Umahi described President Tinubu as a leader who listens and acts in the interest of the country. He expressed optimism that Kanu’s release would be achieved through dialogue and divine intervention rather than through political pressure. “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.

He pointed to key infrastructure projects across the South-East, including the rehabilitation of long-neglected roads, as evidence of Tinubu’s commitment to the region. He challenged critics of the administration to show their own track record of service to the nation.

Addressing concerns over alleged marginalisation in federal appointments, Umahi asserted that the South-East had benefitted more under Tinubu than under many previous administrations. He urged political unity across party lines and praised South-East governors for working cooperatively with the President, regardless of party affiliation.

On his political future, Umahi ruled out any intention to run for president in 2027, pledging his loyalty to President Tinubu. “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.