LAGOS, Nigeria — Minister of Works, David Umahi, says the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), should not be seen as a political bargaining chip for the South-East’s support of President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election.
Speaking with journalists in Lagos on Friday, July 4, 2025, Umahi stated that President Tinubu bears no responsibility for Kanu’s continued detention and cautioned against making the IPOB leader’s release a condition for regional political alignment.
“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, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
“We are willing to negotiate his release, but no one should make it a condition because the president did not put him there.”
Kanu, who was arrested and extradited from Kenya in June 2020, remains in custody facing a seven-count charge bordering on treasonable felony filed by the federal government.
His prolonged detention has sparked numerous calls from political leaders, civil society groups, and traditional rulers urging his release.
Umahi, a former governor of Ebonyi State, stressed that any resolution regarding Kanu should come through “divine grace and dialogue,” and not be politicised.
He also defended the Tinubu administration against accusations of marginalising the South-East in federal appointments and infrastructure projects.
“Let those criticising the president show us what they have done for the country,” he said.
The minister highlighted the current administration’s efforts to stabilise the economy, adding that Tinubu’s policy reforms had restored international confidence and secured external support for key national projects.
“President Tinubu may not be perfect, but he is doing most things right,” Umahi said.
“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.”
On speculation about his political ambitions, Umahi made it clear he has no intention of contesting the presidency in 2027.
“I will work for Tinubu,” he stated, dismissing any suggestions of a presidential bid.
