Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi has said that the Federal Government is open to negotiating the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.

Umahi disclosed  on Friday night while addressing journalists in Lagos.

He, however, cautioned that the gesture  should not be interpreted as a condition for political support.

“Somebody asked me about Nnamdi Kanu, and I said his matter is not a condition for the South East to support the President.

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

While applauding the President for his performance in office so far, Umahi described Tinubu as a “listening leader” expressing the hope that Kanu’s release would eventually come through “divine grace and dialogue,” not pressure or political demands.

Umahi said “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.”

The former Ebonyi State governor assured that  the Southeast geopolitical zone is fully behind Tinubu and will support his re-election in 2027.

While highlighting ongoing federal projects in the region, Umahi challenged those criticising the President  to “show us what they have done for the country.”

He went on to dismiss claims that the Southeast is being marginalised in federal appointments, stating emphatically that Tinubu has done more for the region than many past leaders.

The minister  called on political leaders in the Southeast to unite across party lines, noting that even opposition governors in the region were collaborating well with the President.

Umahi ruled out any plans to contest for the presidency in 2027, saying “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.”