A pro-Tinubu Igbo group, Ndigbo for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu 2027 Forum (NDI-ABAT), has given socialite Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, seven days to withdraw his remarks against the Minister of Works, David Umahi, and tender a public apology.
The group warned that continued attacks on the former Ebonyi State governor could deepen political divisions in the state, particularly amid reported tensions involving Umahi and the incumbent governor, Francis Nwifuru.
NDI-ABAT made its position known in a statement issued in Abakaliki on Wednesday and signed by its National Coordinator, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and Secretary-General, Dr Ugwuoke Ugwuoke Jr.
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The group was reacting to comments attributed to Cubana Chief Priest, in which he reportedly described Umahi as the “Pharaoh of Ebonyi State”.
It rejected the description, insisting that the minister deserved respect because of his political influence and role in President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
“Senator Umahi is the new Zik of Africa, not the Pharaoh of Ebonyi State,” the group said.
It demanded that the socialite withdraw the remarks and issue an “unreserved public apology” within seven days.
The group also questioned the motivation behind Cubana Chief Priest’s reported criticism of Umahi, asking what interest he had in Ebonyi politics and who stood to benefit from the disagreement.
NDI-ABAT further raised concerns over allegations that influential political interests, including a serving All Progressives Congress governor, might be encouraging activities aimed at creating divisions within the Ebonyi APC and worsening relations between Umahi and Nwifuru.
It acknowledged that the allegations required credible evidence but said the circumstances surrounding the dispute deserved public scrutiny.
“Your disagreements with Governor Nwifuru should not become a justification for attacking Umahi,” the group said, warning that Ebonyi and the South-East did not need another internal political crisis.
NDI-ABAT described Umahi as an important political link between the South-East and Tinubu, citing his position as Minister of Works, national influence and relationship with the President.
It congratulated Umahi and Nwifuru on the successful hosting of the APC presidential campaign rally in Ebonyi State on November 9, 2026, and urged both leaders to maintain their cooperation ahead of the 2027 elections.
The group also advised Umahi to ignore the controversy and concentrate on delivering roads and other infrastructure projects across the country.
It warned that it would demand accountability if verifiable evidence emerged of any political officeholder sponsoring activities to destabilise the Ebonyi APC or undermine relations between the two leaders.
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