Hope for Kanu? FG Considers Negotiated Release, Minister Confirms

Minister of Works and former Ebonyi State Governor, Engr. Dave Umahi, has stated that the Federal Government is open to negotiating the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), but cautioned against using the issue as a political bargaining tool.

Speaking with journalists in Lagos on Friday night, Umahi emphasized that Kanu’s case should not be made a precondition for political support from the South-East.

“Someone asked me about Nnamdi Kanu, and I made it clear that his release should not be a condition for the South-East to support the president,” Umahi said. “We are open to negotiations for his release, but no one should politicize it—the president did not order his detention.”

He commended President Bola Tinubu’s leadership style, describing him as a “listening leader,” and expressed optimism that Kanu’s release would eventually come through dialogue and divine intervention rather than political pressure.

“President Tinubu may not be perfect, but he is making significant progress. Look at the state of the economy when he took over—now, we’re seeing international confidence in his reforms, and that’s why support for our projects is increasing,” he added.

Responding to claims of marginalisation, Umahi dismissed the notion that the South-East is being sidelined in federal appointments, insisting that the region has benefited more under Tinubu than previous administrations.

“The South-East now has a voice at the centre. We are not going back to where we came from,” he said, adding that even opposition governors from the region are working cooperatively with the federal government.

On his political future, Umahi ruled out any plans to run for president in 2027, pledging instead to support President Tinubu’s re-election bid.

“I’m not contesting. I’ll work for my boss, President Tinubu. The APC remains the platform through which we can achieve our goals,” he stated.

He also urged political leaders from the South-East, regardless of party affiliation, to unite and rally behind the administration’s development agenda.