Cubana Chief Priest warns Tinubu of political backlash in South East over Nnamdi Kanu’s imprisonment

Celebrity influencer and businessman Pascal Okechukwu, widely known as Cubana Chief Priest, has cautioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that the continued detention of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, may seriously affect his chances of securing votes in the South East during the 2027 general elections.

His warning comes amid fresh tension in the region following Kanu’s court appearance on Thursday, where his lawyers again pushed for his release and accused the Federal Government of deliberately delaying the trial. The case has intensified political discussions across the South East, with many stakeholders insisting that Kanu’s prolonged detention remains a major source of frustration, especially among Igbo people.

Reacting through a strongly worded message on his Instagram page, Cubana Chief Priest told the President that keeping Kanu in custody would come with huge political consequences.

“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 key figure in the region, saying his detention has created deep resentment and affected political mobilisation.

“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 criticised political appointees from the South East, claiming they lack the capacity and influence needed to boost the President’s popularity in the region.

“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 advised the President not to rely on the loyalty of political officeholders, noting that 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 said.

He urged Tinubu to work more closely with Abia State Governor Alex Otti, whom he described as a credible figure with genuine influence in the zone. He also criticised the President’s decision to reject Otti’s invitation to commission projects in Abia, saying the choice reduced 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 wrote, adding that the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives had worsened tensions by “attacking our favoured Governor Otti.”

Cubana Chief Priest’s remarks add to the growing political reactions following Kanu’s latest court appearance, with many analysts warning that the case will continue to shape national politics ahead of the 2027 elections.