Popular Nigerian socialite, entrepreneur, and influential voice Pascal Okechukwu, widely known as Cubana Chief Priest, has called on the people of the South-East to embrace political alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He asserts that such strategic support is the most practical path to securing the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), and paving the way for an Igbo presidency in the future.
In his recent statements reacting to a viral video of His Royal Highness, Igwe Dr. Lawrence Agubuzo of Ezema Olo, who directly appealed to President Tinubu for Kanu's release during a summit in Abuja, Cubana Chief Priest emphasized the power of engagement over confrontation.
"Alignment is key; we no fit fight government," he stated. "Asiwaju go free MNK. His Royal Highness don put am for Baba body. Let’s get along with Nigeria."
Cubana Chief Priest highlighted President Tinubu's proven political strength, noting that the President secured victory in the 2023 elections with minimal support from the South-East region. "The last time, he won without us," he said. "He will win again, so why not give him our votes so he can do what we ask in return? Hopefully, he will hand over power to an Igbo man.
"He further argued that meaningful progress for the South-East including Kanu's freedom and greater representation at the highest level can only come from being "inside" the political structure rather than remaining in opposition. "Tinubu has the best political structure in the country to win elections," he added, urging the region to reconsider its approach for tangible gains.
Cubana Chief Priest's position reflects a pragmatic view that cooperation and strategic partnerships within Nigeria's political framework offer the best opportunity to address long-standing demands of the Igbo people, including justice for Nnamdi Kanu and equitable power rotation to produce an Igbo president.
The socialite called on leaders, youths, and stakeholders in the South-East to prioritize dialogue, alignment, and national integration to achieve these goals.