You won’t get 10000 votes in south-east in 2027 if Nnamdi Kanu is jailed, Cubana Priest tells Tinubu
Cubana Chief Priest, the well-known Nigerian socialite, has sent a pointed message to President Bola Tinubu following the life sentence issued to Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Kanu’s conviction on seven counts of terrorism on Thursday has sparked wide-ranging reactions nationwide.
In an extensive Instagram post, Cubana Chief Priest portrayed Kanu’s ongoing detention as a major threat to Tinubu’s political standing in the south-east, insisting it would severely damage any prospects of electoral gains in the region ahead of the 2027 elections.
He referred to Kanu as the “supreme leader” of the south-east, saying his imprisonment has created “so much setback” and deep-seated resentment among residents.
He also criticised political appointees from the region, arguing that ministers and governors lack the influence and resolve to build genuine support for the president.
“President @officialasiwajubat, as long as MNK remains in jail, you cannot and will never get up to 10,000 votes in the South East come 2027. I will not lie to you, Papa. As a friend of your government, I have no reason to whitewash you,” he wrote.
“MNK is the supreme leader of the South East. His detention has caused us so much setback, and I am surprised that all your useless ministers from the South East can’t even tell you the truth because they are all cowards.
“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 also directed comments at Seyi Tinubu, dismissing the political weight of those within their circle and claiming many cannot safely return to their hometowns due to widespread anger over Kanu’s detention. He accused some of pursuing selfish interests such as “land allocations” instead of contributing meaningfully to governance.
“@seyitinubu, all those people on that table with you at Delborough Hotel the other day are bags of deceit, including me. They can’t do anything for you. Most of them cannot even visit their hometowns because of MNK’s detention, so how can they help you? They only want land allocations to develop and sell. You know I don’t need anything from you,” he added.
“The Villa is like a hotel — a few more days and checkout time will reach. Only MNK can guarantee you real votes from the South East.
“Look out for Gov. Alex Otti — he can genuinely convince the people. I was surprised when you turned down his invitation to commission his projects in Abia, where MNK hails from. Asiwaju sent the incompetent minister, a failure and a betrayal to the South East, to represent him.
“A man who has done nothing for us. To worsen it, the weak Deputy Speaker will not stop attacking our favoured Governor Otti.”
He concluded by reiterating his message to the president, warning that any misstep could have serious political consequences: “Appeal this judgment and get it right, or prepare to check out of the Villa come 2027. The South East belongs to MNK. These are the words of the gods. Ignore them at your own risk.”