Nigerian socialite and businessman Pascal Chibuike Okechukwu, widely known as Cubana Chief Priest, stated that President Bola Tinubu views him with suspicion because of his Igbo heritage.
He explained that his past alignment with Labour Party candidate Peter Obi during the 2023 presidential election makes it unrealistic to expect a warm reception from the presidency.
This development follows his recent entry into politics, having picked up the All Progressives Congress (APC) nomination form to contest the Orsu/Orlu/Oru East Federal Constituency seat in Imo State.
He lost his bid to secure the APC ticket, but later told his followers that he never contested in the first place.
JomogNews reports that the nightlife promoter, who serves as the Imo State Coordinator of the City Boys Movement, threw his weight behind Tinubu, saying he does not want to lose for a second time with Peter Obi.
He believes strongly that Peter Obi stands no chance of winning the 2027 presidential election.
Social media reactions on Cubana Chief Priest’s defeat was swift, with many users mocking him and suggesting he underestimated the ruthlessness of Nigerian politics.
Following the result, Seyi Tinubu, the son of the President, sent a message of encouragement to him in a post shared on his Instagram page, which was later reposted by Cubana Chief Priest.
Seyi advised him not to be discouraged by the outcome, noting that setbacks can lead to future success.
But speaking in chat with Peller on Tuesday evening, Cubana Chief Priest said, “Let me tell you, as I am now, Tinubu doesn’t really trust me as an Igbo man. He looks at me with one eye. He is still like ‘this one that has worked for Peter Obi before’.
He went on to explain that he worked for Peter Obi in 2023 but had to abandon the former Governor of Anambra State and 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party because he believes Obi cannot defeat Tinubu.
