Senator Dave Umahi, Minister of Works says the South-East’s support for President Bola Tinubu in 2027 is not contingent on the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra IPOB.
Speaking to reporters in Lagos on Friday evening, Umahi denied that the South-East had offered terms, such as Kanu’s release, in exchange for the President’s support..
“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.
The minister described Tinubu as a listening leader, and expressed faith that Kanu’s release would come through divine grace and dialogue, not through pressure or politics.
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“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 highlighted important infrastructure initiatives in the South-East being carried out by the Tinubu administration, such as the restoration of some roads that previous administrations had abandoned.
“Let those criticising the President show us what they have done for the country,” he said.
Umahi dismissed claims that the South-East is being sidelined in federal appointments, saying that Tinubu had done more for the geo-political zone than many past leaders.
He called for unity among political leaders regardless of party affiliation, noting that governors across the South-East — including those from opposition parties — were working well with the President.
Umahi stressed that he has no intention of contesting for Nigeria’s 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.
