The Ndigbo for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu 2027 Forum (NDI-ABAT) has warned popular businessman and socialite, Mr Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, to withdraw his offensive remarks against the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, and tender an unreserved public apology within seven days.
In a press statement dated November 10, 2026, and jointly signed by its National Coordinator, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and Secretary-General, Dr Ugwuoke Ugwuoke Jr., the forum described Umahi as the “New Zik of Africa, not the Pharaoh of Ebonyi State,” insisting that his political contributions, national influence and position in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration deserve respect.
NDI-ABAT maintained that nobody should attempt to diminish Umahi’s standing through personal attacks and unnecessary political provocations, warning against attempts to use him as a subject of political confrontation.
The group also raised concerns over allegations that powerful political interests, including a serving APC governor, may be encouraging activities aimed at creating divisions within the Ebonyi APC and undermining the relationship between Umahi and Governor Francis Nwifuru.
While stressing that the allegations require credible evidence, NDI-ABAT said the circumstances surrounding the growing confrontation between the political actors deserve serious public scrutiny.
The forum challenged Cubana Chief Priest to explain his reasons for the alleged attacks on Umahi, his interest in Ebonyi State’s political affairs and who stands to benefit from the division arising from his public confrontations.
It argued that disagreements with Governor Nwifuru should not become a justification for attacking Umahi, adding that Ebonyi State does not need political tension or another avoidable internal crisis.
According to the statement, the Southeast needs responsible leadership, political cooperation and development rather than controversies capable of creating divisions among its political stakeholders.
NDI-ABAT identified Umahi as one of the most important political bridges between Ndigbo and President Tinubu, citing his infrastructure responsibilities, national political influence and relationship with the President as strategic assets to the political future of the Southeast.
It therefore described attempts to distract him with unnecessary controversies as contrary to the interests of Ndigbo, particularly as the country approaches the 2027 general election.
The forum also congratulated Umahi and Governor Nwifuru on the successful hosting of the APC presidential campaign rally in Ebonyi State on Monday, November 9, 2026.
It said the cooperation between the two leaders was important to the success of the Tinubu 2027 project and urged them to remain united rather than allow themselves to be drawn into unnecessary political battles.
Reiterating its demand, NDI-ABAT called on Cubana Chief Priest to withdraw his offensive remarks, respect Umahi as his elder brother and issue a public apology within seven days.
The organisation further warned that it would not ignore credible evidence of political sponsorship intended to destabilise the Ebonyi APC or damage the relationship between Umahi and Governor Nwifuru.
It stated that if verifiable evidence identifies any political officeholder behind such activities, it would make the evidence public and demand accountability.
The group also advised Umahi to disregard the provocations and concentrate on his responsibilities as Minister of Works, particularly the delivery of quality roads and critical infrastructure across Nigeria.
According to NDI-ABAT, Umahi’s performance in office is more important than responding to social media controversies.
The forum maintained that Umahi must not be distracted, Ebonyi State must not be destabilised, and Ndigbo must not be used as pawns in anyone’s political ambition.
It called for political discipline, strategic leadership and unity of purpose ahead of the 2027 elections, urging Ndigbo to protect their interests and reject attempts to turn personal disagreements into a regional political crisis.
Signed:
Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro
National Coordinator, NDI-ABAT
Dr Ugwuoke Ugwuoke Jr.
Secretary-General, NDI-ABAT
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