“Tinubu Doesn’t Trust Me Because I’m Igbo” – Cubana Chief Priest Opens Up

Nigerian socialite and entrepreneur Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest

“Tinubu Doesn’t Trust Me Because I’m Igbo” – Cubana Chief Priest Opens Up

Celebrity businessman and socialite Pascal Okechukwu, widely known as Cubana Chief Priest, has made a startling revelation about his relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. During a livestream session with popular streamer Peller, the nightlife mogul admitted that President Tinubu does not fully trust him – primarily because he is Igbo and because he worked for Peter Obi during the 2023 presidential election. In his own words: “As I dey now, Tinubu no really trust me as Igbo man wey I be. E Dey look me with one eye because he believe say this one wey don work for Peter Obi before.” This candid confession has since sparked widespread reactions across social media, political circles, and mainstream news platforms including BBC News Pidgin, Channels Television, and The Punch.

Despite the perceived mistrust, Cubana Chief Priest made it clear that he has fully defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and will support President Tinubu in the 2027 election. His reason is political strategy over sentiment. According to him, Peter Obi was not politically ready to win the presidency in 2023, and he does not want to be associated with a losing side again. He stated, “I work for Peter Obi last election. I don’t want to lose again. Elections are won through structure, strategy, and strong political backing – not social media comments or hashtags.” He argued that Tinubu already has the support of more than 30 governors across Nigeria, making him an “immortal” force in Nigerian politics, adding: “Make Asiwaju just do his own and go. Asiwaju na immortal. No be somebody wey anybody fit push away. Tinubu go still enter 100.”

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This revelation comes just days after Cubana Chief Priest lost the APC ticket for the Orsu/Orlu/Oru East Federal Constituency seat in Imo State. The primary election, held on Saturday, ended without the socialite securing the ticket – despite purchasing the party’s expression of interest and nomination forms. However, in a swift reaction on Instagram, Cubana Chief Priest clarified that he was not defeated at the polls. Instead, he claimed he voluntarily stepped down after consulting with Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma. He explained, “The governor explained the party’s zoning arrangement to me. It was not yet the turn of my local government area to produce the federal lawmaker. In respect for the party and its leadership, I chose not to proceed.” He added emphatically: “Nobody will say they saw me anywhere around the primaries venue.”

Following the political setback, Seyi Tinubu, son of the President, reached out to Cubana Chief Priest via Instagram to offer encouragement. The President’s son wrote, “Bro, sometimes by losing a battle, you find a new way to win the war. Keep your head up. We know what you can achieve.” The socialite shared the exchange publicly, further fueling speculation about his growing closeness to the First Family.

Despite the primary loss, Cubana Chief Priest remains unshaken and highly ambitious. He confirmed that he still serves as the Imo State Coordinator of the City Boy Movement, a support group backing President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda. When asked about his future political aspirations, he hinted at something much bigger, saying, “Maybe God wants me to be the Governor.” He also dismissed online trolls mocking his primary defeat with characteristic bravado: “How will I be sad over what poor men are saying? I checked their pages, and none of them has a G-Wagon.”

In summary, the key takeaways from Cubana Chief Priest’s interview are as follows. On the issue of trust from Tinubu, he stated that the President does not fully trust him because he is Igbo and previously worked for Peter Obi. Regarding the 2023 election, he admitted he worked for Peter Obi but now regrets it. For the 2027 election, he declared full support for President Tinubu, with his reason for defection being simply “I don’t want to lose again.” On his APC primary loss, he claimed he stepped down voluntarily after Governor Uzodimma explained zoning arrangements. Finally, he revealed that his future ambition may include running for Governor.