Celebrity barman and socialite Cubana Chief Priest has issued a strong warning to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, insisting that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) risks losing the entire South-East vote in the 2027 general elections if IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu is not released.
His remarks follow the recent life imprisonment sentence handed to Kanu by a Federal High Court in Abuja.
“You won’t get 10,000 votes in the South-East,” Chief Priest warns
In a lengthy online statement, Cubana Chief Priest expressed frustration over what he described as widespread resentment in the region caused by Kanu’s prolonged detention.
He claimed that the continued incarceration of the IPOB leader has significantly damaged the government’s standing in the South-East.
According to him, neither ministers nor political appointees from the zone have the influence or grassroots support needed to repair the growing distrust toward the administration.
He accused many of them of “cowardice” and failing to communicate the true mood of the people to the president.
Calls for political reassessment and release of Kanu
Cubana Chief Priest urged President Tinubu to re-evaluate his advisers, warning that many of those posing as loyalists only seek political or financial gains.
He argued that only the release of Nnamdi Kanu can restore confidence in the region and give the APC a fighting chance in the next election.
He also encouraged Tinubu to strengthen ties with Abia State Governor Alex Otti, whom he described as one of the few leaders capable of genuinely appealing to the South-East population.
Message to Governor Hope Uzodimma
Addressing Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, the socialite cautioned that the governor’s achievements could be “erased” if he fails to intervene decisively in Kanu’s case.
He maintained that Kanu holds significant symbolic influence in the South-East and that any political strategy ignoring his impact is bound to fail.
Cubana Chief Priest’s full warning
Part of his statement reads:
“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… Without MNK outside, everything shall fall into pieces.”
He further urged the presidency to appeal the court ruling and secure Kanu’s release, warning that ignoring the issue could cost the administration its political future.
Growing political tension after Kanu’s sentencing
Cubana Chief Priest’s warning adds to the rising political tension following Nnamdi Kanu’s sentencing, with several groups, activists, and public figures calling for a review of the judgment.
The development has once again reignited conversations around justice, regional politics, and national unity ahead of the 2027 election season.
