Nigerian businessman and social media personality Pascal Okechukwu, widely known as Cubana Chief Priest, has explained why he says he will not support former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi or former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and why he is choosing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 election.
In a social media post shared alongside a billboard-style congratulatory graphic bearing his name, Cubana Chief Priest reacted to criticism that an Igbo man backing Tinubu is “betrayal.” He argued that people should apply the same standard across ethnic lines, asking: if an Igbo man’s support for Tinubu is seen as betrayal, “what is a Yoruba man supporting Obi?”
He said Nigerians should focus on national interest rather than tribe, insisting that people can only truly “take” or benefit in Nigeria by acting like Nigerians first. He also suggested that political power is uneven, and that it is not realistic to expect an ordinary person to fight those who already hold strong advantages in government.
Referring to official protection enjoyed by some political office holders, he questioned why anyone would expect a regular businessperson to battle political leaders whose positions come with immunity. In his view, aligning with those who already have influence is more practical than taking on fights that can be costly and risky.
Cubana Chief Priest described Tinubu as politically smarter and better prepared, writing that “Tinubu is 20 steps ahead.” He urged those disagreeing with him to “read the lines,” and warned that making choices based on tribal feelings could lead to another failure at the polls.
He pointed to Tinubu’s long-term political planning as part of his reason. According to him, Tinubu helped build support for former President Muhammadu Buhari, who is from northern Nigeria, and then waited eight years before he could become president himself. He linked that patience to Tinubu’s popular campaign phrase, “Emilokan,” and declared, “Tinubu served!!!!”
He added that choosing any other candidate over Tinubu would be a mistake, comparing it to crossing a road without looking both ways. He advised people to follow the person who “knows the road” and to stay with the one who has “structure,” arguing that strong political structure makes it easier for supporters to also benefit and plan for a better future.
Cubana Chief Priest also reflected on past actions Nigerians have taken to demand change. He listed fighting, protesting, screaming, yelling, and even people dying, yet said nothing changed. He also mentioned years of “sit at home” actions and insisted that, in his view, those too did not produce the change people wanted.
Based on that experience, he said the best option now is to “serve and get settled,” adding that “only time will tell.” He closed that part of his message with the idea that “if you cannot beat them, you join them,” and addressed “Umunne,” a term used to refer to fellow Igbo people, as he argued it is better to be on the inside than outside.