Popular nightlife entrepreneur Pascal Okechukwu, widely known as Cubana Chief Priest, has issued a strong warning to President Bola Tinubu, insisting that the continued detention of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu could cost the ruling party nearly all political support in the South-East ahead of the 2027 general elections.

His remarks come shortly after a court ruling sentenced Kanu to life imprisonment, a judgment that has intensified political tension across the region.

In a lengthy social media post, Cubana Chief Priest argued that Kanu’s prolonged incarceration has deeply affected the sentiments of South-Easterners, fostering widespread resentment that he believes will severely limit the president’s chances in 2027.

According to him, many of the ministers and political office holders from the South-East have failed to communicate the gravity of public anger to the presidency. He described them as “cowards” who lack the capacity to influence voters or defend the interests of the region.

He urged the president to reassess the people around him, claiming that several individuals parading themselves as loyal supporters cannot even visit their hometowns due to the outrage over Kanu’s imprisonment. He added that only Kanu’s release would restore trust and open the door for meaningful political engagement ahead of the next election cycle.

Cubana Chief Priest also advised Tinubu to strengthen ties with credible South-East leaders who still enjoy grassroots support, citing Abia State Governor Alex Otti as a key figure capable of rallying the people. He further warned Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma that his political legacy could be jeopardised if he fails to take a decisive stand on Kanu’s case.

Emphasising the significance of the matter, he described Kanu as the “supreme leader” of the South-East and declared that ignoring his continued detention would be politically disastrous for the current administration.

He concluded his post by calling on President Tinubu to appeal the court judgment and secure Kanu’s release, warning that failure to do so could cost the ruling party the entire South-East come 2027.

A portion of his statement reads:

“As long as MNK remains in jail, you cannot and will never get up to 10,000 votes in the South-East come 2027… Only MNK’s release can save you… Southeast belongs to MNK. These are the words of the gods — play with it at your own risk.”