Popular Nigerian singer Hakeem Fashola, widely known as Portable, has launched a scathing attack on socialite Cubana ChiefPriest over his recent comments concerning the detention of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu and its potential impact on President Bola Tinubu's electoral fortunes in the Southeast region.
The Controversial Comments That Sparked the Feud
The conflict began when Cubana ChiefPriest, whose real name is Okechukwu Pascal, made a strong statement on social media regarding President Tinubu's political future in the Southeast. ChiefPriest asserted that if Nnamdi Kanu remains in detention until the 2027 elections, President Tinubu would struggle to secure even 10,000 votes from the Igbo-speaking region.
This declaration came as a reaction to the conviction and sentencing of Nnamdi Kanu by an Abuja High Court on Thursday, November 21. In his social media post, Cubana ChiefPriest emphasized that Kanu represents a significant leadership figure in the Southeast and that any decision to keep him incarcerated would severely damage Tinubu's electoral prospects among the Igbo population.
Portable's Fiery Response
Portable responded vehemently to ChiefPriest's claims through a video message shared on his social media platforms. The controversial singer dismissed the socialite's predictions and accused him of hypocrisy regarding his stance on Nnamdi Kanu's release.
Portable specifically called out Cubana ChiefPriest for failing to raise the issue of Nnamdi Kanu's release during his recent visit to President Tinubu alongside fellow musician Davido. According to Portable, instead of advocating for Kanu's freedom during that high-profile meeting, ChiefPriest used the opportunity to pursue personal business interests and secure contracts for himself.
Differing Views on Electoral Dynamics
The artists presented completely contrasting perspectives on how the Nnamdi Kanu situation would influence voting patterns in the Southeast during the 2027 presidential election. While Cubana ChiefPriest predicted a massive electoral boycott and minimal support for Tinubu, Portable offered a different analysis.
Portable countered that the claim about Southeasterners refusing to vote for President Tinubu was inaccurate. He suggested that financial considerations would ultimately sway voting behavior, indicating that his people would be willing to support Tinubu if adequately compensated during the election period.
This exchange highlights the ongoing political tensions surrounding Nnamdi Kanu's detention and the different viewpoints within Nigerian celebrity circles regarding its potential impact on the country's political landscape as the 2027 elections approach.
