Cubana Chief Priest Urges Igbo Support for Tinubu’s Re‑Election, Says Tribalism Shouldn’t Dictate Nigerian Politics

Celebrity figure Pascal Okechukwu has urged his fellow Igbo Nigerians to support Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his bid for re‑election in the 2027 Nigerian general election, arguing that tribal loyalty should not determine political decisions and that Nigerians must think strategically about national unity and development.

In a viral post on social media, the celebrity nightlife promoter responded directly to critics who labelled his endorsement a “betrayal” of Igbo interests. He challenged the logic of ethnic‑based political allegiances, asking rhetorically why it would be considered a betrayal for an Igbo man to back Tinubu if Yorubas can support candidates from other regions. His argument frames national politics in a broader context: “We can only be Nigerians for us to partake in Nigeria.”

Chief Priest’s message underscores his broader appeal for Nigerians from all ethnic groups to prioritise the country’s collective future over regional loyalty. He praised Tinubu’s political savvy and leadership structure, pointing out that Tinubu once supported leaders from other parts of the country before eventually rising to the presidency himself, and suggested that pragmatic engagement with the political system is more effective than protest or exclusion.

The socialite argued that protesting or remaining outside mainstream politics has yielded limited results for many communities in the past. He told his followers that integration and participation within established political structures can yield tangible benefits. “Tinubu is 20 steps ahead, can’t you guys read the lines?” he asserted, urging his followers to consider the practical implications of political alignment.

Beyond questions of ethnic identity, Chief Priest also linked political support to potential regional gains. In other related comments, he suggested that backing Tinubu could help create conditions for important outcomes, such as the possible release of detained figures from the South‑East, a point that resonated with many users who see political alignment as a pathway to securing justice and influence.

The endorsement has generated strong reactions across Nigerian social and political circles. Critics argue that Chief Priest’s support for Tinubu may undermine long‑standing calls for greater representation and equity for the Igbo people in national leadership. Some observers have gone further, describing his alignment with the president as a departure from his earlier statements suggesting that only an Igbo leader could “fix Nigeria.”

Supporters of Chief Priest, however, view his stance as a call for unity and political pragmatism. They argue that voting decisions must be made with an eye toward national stability, economic growth, and the capacity to influence government from within, rather than remaining on the periphery of Nigeria’s political landscape. Many believe that cross‑ethnic support can build bridges and reduce tensions in a country historically divided by regional politics.

Chief Priest’s latest political involvement also comes as part of his leadership role within the City Boy Movement, a political group aligned with President Tinubu and actively working to mobilise support ahead of the 2027 elections. His appointment as a director of the group in Imo State reflects his deeper engagement with national politics and his commitment to fostering what he describes as “inclusion rather than exclusion.”

As Nigeria’s political landscape continues to evolve ahead of the 2027 general election, public endorsements like Cubana Chief Priest’s highlight the complex interplay of ethnicity, national identity, and electoral strategy. Whether his call for broader unity resonates with voters across Nigeria’s diverse regions remains a key question as political campaigns gain momentum.