Controversial Nigerian singer Portable has responded sharply to celebrity bartender Cubana Chief Priest, rejecting his recent warning to President Bola Tinubu regarding the political implications of Nnamdi Kanu’s detention.
The confrontation comes amid rising national debates following Kanu’s life imprisonment on terrorism charges.
The uproar began when Cubana Chief Priest publicly cautioned that the continued incarceration of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), could negatively impact President Tinubu’s political standing in the south-east ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a video posted on social media, Cubana argued that Tinubu “will never get up to 10,000 votes” in the south-east if Kanu remained in detention.
His comment stirred immediate reactions from both supporters and critics of the government, reigniting discussions on the political influence of high-profile personalities in Nigeria.
Portable’s Take on Kanu: Cubana Hypocrisy Exposed
Portable, using a now-viral response, accused Cubana Chief Priest of hypocrisy and self-interest.
In his remarks, he contended that the celebrity socialite used his access to the president to secure personal gains rather than advocating for the release of Nnamdi Kanu.
“When you went to President Bola Tinubu’s office, you went to fight for your own self-interest.
You didn’t remember to ask him to release your brother, Nnamdi Kanu,” Portable said in the video.
His comments highlighted what he described as Cubana’s selective advocacy, focusing on personal contracts and financial benefits rather than the plight of the IPOB leader.
Portable further dismissed Cubana’s prediction about Tinubu’s electoral performance in the south-east.
He argued that the region’s support would remain strong, regardless of Cubana’s claims.
“You fought for what you wanted first, and now you are saying Tinubu won’t get votes from the South East? You’re joking.
They will use money to get votes from your people, and your people will take the money,” Portable added, reinforcing his belief that Cubana had prioritized personal interests over broader political responsibility.
Political Stakes and Public Reactions
The Portable-Cubana exchange has amplified national discussions on celebrity influence in politics and ethical obligations toward public issues.
Critics have questioned whether prominent figures wielding access to political power should leverage it for public advocacy or personal advancement.
Public reaction has been mixed. Many of Portable’s fans praised his candid critique of Cubana, emphasizing that Nigerian celebrities should prioritize civic responsibility.
Others have pointed out that celebrity opinions on sensitive political matters can both shape public discourse and ignite controversy.
Kanu: A Symbol of Political Tension
Nnamdi Kanu’s life sentence on seven counts of terrorism continues to be a polarizing issue in Nigeria.
For supporters, Kanu is seen as a figure fighting for Biafra’s independence, while detractors regard him as a threat to national security.
The controversy surrounding his detention has become a focal point for both political commentary and celebrity intervention.
Cubana’s earlier warning about Tinubu’s political prospects added fuel to this debate, sparking a wave of responses from both political analysts and entertainment figures.
Portable’s rebuke reinforces the divide between public advocacy and personal interest in high-profile engagements with political leadership.
Portable Calls for Consistency in Advocacy
Through his viral message, Portable urged celebrities to maintain consistency in their advocacy.
He questioned the ethics of leveraging presidential access for personal gains while neglecting critical political or humanitarian issues.
“You went to take pictures with the president, collected money, but forgot your brother who was in jail.
Did you collect money and a contract or not?
Who told you he won’t get votes? Tinubu will be reelected,” Portable stated emphatically.
His comments not only targeted Cubana but also reignited wider conversations on accountability and influence in celebrity politics.
Kanu and Celebrity Responsibility
The controversy underscores the intersection of politics, celebrity influence, and public opinion in Nigeria.
While Cubana Chief Priest’s warning intended to highlight a potential political risk for Tinubu, Portable’s response reframed the debate, emphasizing personal responsibility and the ethics of advocacy.
As discussions continue on social media and traditional media platforms, the broader public remains engaged in examining how celebrities should navigate their influence, especially when issues of national significance, like Kanu’s detention, are involved.
The Kanu-Portable-Cubana saga is likely to remain a talking point as the nation approaches the 2027 elections, raising important questions about political engagement, moral responsibility, and the power of celebrity voices in shaping public discourse.
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