Nigerian socialite and nightlife promoter, Cubana Chief Priest, has issued a stern warning to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, cautioning that the ruling administration risks losing almost all electoral support in the South-East if Mazi Nnamdi Kanu remains in detention ahead of the 2027 general elections.
This development follows the recent life imprisonment sentence handed down to the IPOB leader, a judgment that has sparked widespread reactions across the region.
“South-East Votes Are Gone If Kanu Is Not Released” — Chief Priest
In a strongly worded online statement, Cubana Chief Priest declared that President Tinubu would struggle to secure even 10,000 votes from the South-East if Kanu remains incarcerated.
He argued that the continued detention of the separatist leader has fueled resentment and created a political environment where the president’s popularity is at an all-time low.
According to him, the South-East’s political mood has been “deeply shaped” by Kanu’s imprisonment, which he believes has damaged the administration’s credibility in the region.
Blasts South-East Ministers and Political Actors
Chief Priest criticized South-East ministers and political appointees, accusing them of failing to communicate the region’s frustrations to the president.
He claimed that many of those presenting themselves as loyal allies of the government lack grassroots acceptance and cannot mobilize genuine support for the ruling party.
He also questioned the relevance of certain political figures who, according to him, have “no real influence” in their home communities.
Calls for Political Realignment
Cubana Chief Priest urged President Tinubu to reassess his advisers, especially those from the South-East whom he described as “cowards.”
He insisted that only the release of Nnamdi Kanu could restore trust and give the APC a realistic chance in the 2027 elections.
He further advised the president to strengthen ties with leaders who hold actual influence at the grassroots — pointing specifically to Abia State Governor Alex Otti. He warned Imo Governor Hope Uzodimma that his achievements risk being overshadowed if he does not intervene decisively on Kanu’s matter.
“Only Nnamdi Kanu Can Save You in 2027” — His Full Words
In part, he said:
“As long as MNK remains in jail, you cannot and will never get up to 10,000 votes in South-East come 2027… MNK is the supreme leader of South-East. His detention has caused us so much setback… Only MNK’s release can save you.”
He added that many of those advising the president are “bags of deceit” who cannot return to their hometowns due to the public anger surrounding Kanu’s imprisonment.
Cubana Chief Priest concluded by urging the presidency to appeal the judgment and “get it right,” warning that failure to act may cost the ruling party the South-East entirely in the 2027 elections.
