South-East Support Not Tied to Nnamdi Kanu’s Release

South-East Support Not Tied to Nnamdi Kanu’s Release – Umahi.
South-East benefiting from Tinubu’s projects, Umahi urges political unity.
Umahi rules out 2027 presidential ambition, pledges loyalty to Tinubu.

The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has clarified that the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is not a bargaining chip for the South-East’s political support for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that speaking to journalists on Friday night in Lagos, Umahi dismissed suggestions that the region was tying its political alignment to Kanu’s freedom. He emphasised that the South-East’s support for President Tinubu is not dependent on the IPOB leader’s release.

“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. “We are willing to negotiate his release, but no one should make it a condition because the President did not put him there.”

Umahi, a former Governor of Ebonyi State, praised Tinubu’s leadership, describing him as a reform-driven and listening President who has restored international confidence in Nigeria’s governance.

“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,” Umahi noted.

He pointed out that the South-East is currently benefitting from major infrastructure projects under Tinubu’s administration, including road rehabilitations that had been neglected by previous governments.

Responding to claims that the South-East has been marginalised in federal appointments, Umahi insisted that the current administration had given the region greater visibility and inclusion.

“Let those criticising the President show us what they have done for the country,” he said.

Umahi also called on political leaders from the South-East to unite and work with President Tinubu, regardless of their party affiliations. He highlighted that even opposition governors in the region were collaborating with the Federal Government to advance development.

Addressing speculations about his own political ambition, Umahi firmly ruled out any interest in contesting the 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 stated.