The Federal Government has expressed willingness to negotiate the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), but insists that such discussions must not be tied to political demands.

Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, made this known on Friday night while speaking with journalists in Lagos. He dismissed claims that the South East was making Kanu’s release a condition for supporting President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

“Someone asked me about Nnamdi Kanu, and I said his case 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 precondition because President Tinubu did not put him in detention.”

He praised Tinubu’s leadership style, describing him as a “listening president” and expressed confidence that Kanu’s eventual release would be achieved through “divine grace and dialogue,” rather than through political pressure.

“President Tinubu may not be perfect, but he is doing most things right. Look at where he met the economy. Today, the international community is backing his reforms, which is why we are receiving support for our projects,” he said.

Umahi also reaffirmed that the South East is solidly behind President Tinubu and will support his re-election bid in 2027. He highlighted ongoing federal infrastructure projects in the region, including road rehabilitations long abandoned by previous administrations.

“Let those criticizing the President show us what they’ve contributed to the country,” he challenged.

Responding to claims of marginalization in federal appointments, Umahi dismissed such assertions, maintaining that President Tinubu has done more for the South East than many past administrations.

He urged political leaders in the region to close ranks and collaborate across party lines, adding that even opposition governors were working closely with the President.

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

“I will not contest. I will work for my boss, President Tinubu. The APC is the path to achieving our goals. The South East now has a voice at the centre. We will not return to Egypt,” he said.