The Ndigbo for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu 2027 Forum (NDI-ABAT) has criticised popular socialite and businessman, Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, over his description of Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, as the ‘Pharaoh of Ebonyi State’.
The group demanded that Cubana Chief Priest withdraw the remark and issue a public apology to Umahi within seven days.
NDI-ABAT made its position known in a statement issued in Abakaliki on Wednesday and jointly signed by its National Coordinator, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and Secretary-General, Dr Ugwuoke Ugwuoke Jr.
Reacting to the controversy, the group described Umahi as the ‘New Zik of Africa’, arguing that his political influence, national contributions and position in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration should not be undermined through personal attacks.
“Cubana Chief Priest should stop any form of attacks against the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi. He should withdraw his offensive remarks and tender an unreserved public apology within seven days,” the group stated.
It further maintained that disagreements involving political figures in Ebonyi State should not be allowed to degenerate into personal attacks or unnecessary political confrontations.
Beyond the exchange between Cubana Chief Priest and Umahi, NDI-ABAT expressed concern over allegations that influential political actors, including a serving APC governor, could be sponsoring activities aimed at creating divisions within the Ebonyi State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The group suggested that such alleged interference could strain the political relationship between Umahi and Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru.
However, it acknowledged that the allegations would require credible evidence, while insisting that the circumstances surrounding the growing political disagreement deserved public scrutiny.
NDI-ABAT also questioned Cubana Chief Priest’s interest in Ebonyi politics, asking why he had chosen to publicly attack Umahi and who stood to benefit from the political tensions.
The group argued that disagreements between Cubana Chief Priest and Governor Nwifuru should not become an excuse for attacking the Minister of Works.
According to the organisation, the cooperation between both political leaders remains important to the success of Tinubu’s anticipated 2027 re-election campaign.
It urged them to maintain their relationship and avoid being drawn into political confrontations that could undermine the party’s interests in the state.
The group also called on Umahi to remain focused on his responsibilities as Minister of Works, particularly the delivery of quality roads and critical infrastructure across Nigeria, rather than engage in social media controversies.
Reiterating its demand, the organisation urged Cubana Chief Priest to retract his comments within seven days, apologise publicly and show respect to Umahi.
It warned that it would not overlook credible evidence of any attempt by political actors to destabilise the Ebonyi APC or damage the relationship between Umahi and Governor Nwifuru.
NDI-ABAT further stated that it would make public any verifiable evidence identifying political officeholders allegedly sponsoring such activities and demand accountability.
The group concluded by urging people in the South-East to prioritise regional interests, political discipline and unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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