Celebrity promoter Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, has issued a strong warning to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu following the sentencing of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu.
Reacting shortly after the Federal High Court in Abuja delivered the judgment, Cubana Chief Priest said President Tinubu risks losing political relevance in the South-East if Kanu remains in detention ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to him, the region’s political mood has become increasingly volatile, with public sentiment now heavily shaped by Kanu’s imprisonment.
In a lengthy Instagram post, he accused the president of ignoring mounting frustration across the South-East.
“President @officialasiwajubat, as long as MNK remains in jail, you cannot and will never get up to 10,000 votes in South-East come 2027… Only MNK’s release can save you,” he wrote.
Cubana Chief Priest also criticised South-East ministers, alleging they have failed to speak truthfully to the president about the deepening resentment in the region.
He argued that none of them has the political strength to rebuild trust on the ground.
He also directed a warning to Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, urging him to push for an appeal of the judgment.
“To my father @he_hopeuzodimma… Appeal this judgement & get it right or get ready to check out of the Villa come 2027… South-East belongs to MNK,” he added.
His comments come amid renewed agitation following the court’s decision to sentence Kanu to life imprisonment on Thursday.
The ruling immediately sparked widespread reactions across the South-East, with several groups describing the judgment as unjust and potentially destabilising.
Calls for Kanu’s release have intensified, as stakeholders warn that continued detention could worsen tensions in an already fragile region.
