George Agbakahi, a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and leader of the South East Tinubu’s Support Group, has said that President Bola Tinubu’s chances of winning reelection in the South East will largely depend on the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Friday, Agbakahi acknowledged the strides the Tinubu administration has made in the region, especially in infrastructure development.

According to him, several key roads that had been abandoned for years are now being rebuilt. “Go to the Enugu–Onitsha road — untouched by previous administrations — it’s now under construction. The same thing is happening on the Enugu–Port Harcourt road, a vital economic route. Even the Aba–Ikot Ekpene road, neglected for nearly 20 years, is being fixed,” he noted.

He also pointed to the South East Development Center Commission (SEDC), backed by ₦150 billion, as a major step toward boosting the region’s economy.

However, Agbakahi stressed that while these achievements are important, the political mood in the South East is still heavily tied to Nnamdi Kanu’s fate.

“The only major variable left in the South East is the issue of Nnamdi Kanu. His continued detention is a big factor that will determine the election outcome in the region. I believe the president, being a father figure, understands the political and governance implications,” he said.