Celebrity influencer and businessman Pascal Okechukwu, better known as Cubana Chief Priest, has asserted that President Bola Tinubu “cannot and will never get up to 10,000 votes in South-East come 2027” as long as convicted IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, remains in prison.
Cubana Chief Priest stated this on social media while reacting to yesterday’s conviction and sentencing of Kanu over terrorism offences.
According to him, the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu could severely damage President Tinubu’s chances of securing votes in the South East in the 2027 general elections.
In a strongly worded message posted on his Instagram account, Cubana Chief Priest further outlined conditions that Tinubu must meet if he intends to secure the region’s support ahead of the 2027 general election.
“President, as long as MNK remains in jail, you cannot and will never get up to ten thousand votes in the South East come 2027.
“I will not lie to you. As a friend of your government, I have no reason to whitewash you,” he wrote.
He described Kanu as a central figure in the region, stating that his incarceration has created deep resentment and stalled political engagement.
“MNK is the supreme leader of the South-east. His detention has caused us so much setbacks, and I am surprised that all your ministers from the South East cannot tell you the truth because they are cowards,” he said.
He also accused political appointees from the zone of lacking the credibility and influence needed to strengthen the President’s acceptance among the people.
“None of them has the capacity to do anything that will make the people love and respect you.
“As for the governors, they will disappoint you because they have nothing meaningful to present to the people. Only MNK’s release can save you,” he added.
Cubana Chief Priest further cautioned the President not to rely on the loyalty of political officeholders, saying their influence over voters is limited.
“The Villa is like a hotel. A few more days and the checkout time will reach. Only MNK can guarantee you real votes from the South East,” he added.
He advised Tinubu to work closely with Abia State Governor Alex Otti, whom he described as a credible figure with genuine influence in the region.
He criticised the President’s decision to decline Otti’s invitation to commission projects in Abia, saying the move hurt local goodwill.
“I was surprised when you turned down his invitation to commission his projects in Abia, where MNK hails from, and instead sent an incompetent minister who has done nothing for us,” he said, adding that the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives had also worsened tensions by “attacking our favoured Governor Otti.”
Cubana Chief Priest’s remarks add to a growing volume of political reactions following Kanu’s appearance in court, with analysts warning that the case will remain a major factor in national politics ahead of the 2027 elections.
About the Author
