Socialite defends political realignment, urges South-East to 'serve and get settled' rather than remain in opposition
Celebrity barman and nightlife entrepreneur Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, has launched a robust defence of his decision to openly support President Bola Tinubu's re-election bid, challenging critics who have branded his alignment as a betrayal of Igbo interests .
In a lengthy Instagram post that has since dominated social media discourse, the newly appointed Imo State director of the pro-Tinubu City Boy Movement posed a pointed question to his detractors: "If an Igbo man supporting Tinubu is a betrayal, what is a Yoruba man supporting Obi?" .
'We Can Only Be Nigerians'
Chief Priest argued that Nigerians must transcend ethnic considerations in political calculations, insisting that national prosperity requires cross-regional collaboration rather than tribal solidarity .
"We can only be Nigerians for us to partake in Nigeria," he wrote, challenging the premise that ethnic identity should determine political allegiance .
He also questioned why ordinary citizens are expected to bear political burdens while elected officials enjoy constitutional protection. "Wetin your governor wey get immunity see align with na wetin una want make we common business man like us battle," he observed, pointing to the disconnect between political elites and their constituents .
'Tinubu Served'
Drawing on the president's political trajectory, Chief Priest reminded his audience that Tinubu supported former President Muhammadu Buhari—a northerner—for eight years before ascending to the highest office.
"For Tinubu to become president, he motioned Buhari, a Hausa man, and waited for eight years before he could become president. Na him be that EMILOKAN wey baba dey shout. Tinubu SERVED!!!" he wrote .
The reference to "Emilokan"—Tinubu's now-famous declaration that "it's my turn" to lead—was deployed to underscore what Chief Priest described as the president's patient, strategic rise through the political ranks .
'Follow Who Know Road'
The socialite warned his followers against supporting any alternative candidate in the 2027 election, framing such a choice as reckless.
"Leaving Tinubu to support any other candidate for this election is like not looking both ways before crossing the road," he asserted. "Follow who know road, stay with person wey get structure so that you sef fit tap in and plan for your own better future" .
'If You Can't Beat Them, Join Them'
Chief Priest catalogued what he characterized as years of fruitless resistance by the South-East, arguing that continued opposition has yielded no tangible benefits for the region.
"We don fight, protest, scream, yell. Even kpai ourselves and nothing changed. We don even do sit at home for years, nothing changed," he wrote, referencing the now-cancelled Monday sit-at-home orders previously enforced by IPOB sympathisers.
His conclusion was blunt: "Like this the only option is for us to serve and get settled. Only time will tell. If you can't beat them, you join them. Umunne, it's better to be inside than outside" .
The 'City Boy Movement' Factor
Chief Priest's political realignment comes weeks after his appointment as director of the City Boy Movement in Imo State, a support group championing Tinubu's re-election . The move has drawn sharp criticism, particularly given his prominent role in the 2023 "Obidient" movement that backed Labour Party candidate Peter Obi .
When asked directly by a follower whether he was now working against Obi, Chief Priest confirmed without hesitation: "Yes oh, hope say no be crime cuz I worked for Obi last election even as special adviser to an APC governor" .
The Backlash
The celebrity barman's position has attracted fierce criticism from various quarters. Nollywood actress Onyi Alex, reacting to the involvement of Igbo businessmen in the City Boy Movement, delivered a blistering verdict: "I'm sure Judas who betrayed Jesus Christ was Igbo. It is no longer funny that many Igbos cannot travel safely to the East because of insecurity" .
Social commentator Isaac Fayose has also engaged in a heated exchange with Chief Priest, questioning his political judgment and sources of wealth . Chief Priest responded by challenging Fayose to a public business debate and insisting that as an employer of over 1,000 Nigerians, his political choices are strategic rather than sentimental .
'Power Pass Power'
In previous exchanges with critics, Chief Priest has maintained a defiant posture, arguing that proximity to power offers more influence than opposition. "Over 30 governors align and you are crying because an ordinary businessman aligned? Power pass power," he wrote, dismissing suggestions that he should remain outside government circles .
"You want me to negotiate the release of Nnamdi Kanu by being in opposition? I have chosen my path—business and politics" .
As the 2027 election cycle intensifies, Chief Priest's unapologetic stance ensures he will remain at the centre of debates about Igbo political strategy, elite responsibility, and the tension between regional solidarity and individual political calculation .
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