Politics
Cubana Chief Priest Backs Tinubu Ahead of 2027, Signalling Shift in Celebrity Political Alignments
Cubana Chief Priest Backs Tinubu Ahead of 2027, Signalling Shift in Celebrity Political Alignments
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | SaharaWeeklyNG
“Socialite’s public declaration underscores growing intersection of business, entertainment and electoral politics as Nigeria inches toward another high-stakes presidential race.”
A prominent Nigerian socialite and nightlife entrepreneur, Pascal Okechukwu (popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest) has publicly declared his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election, in a move that has stirred debate across Nigeria’s political and social media landscapes.
The declaration emerged in early February 2026 through a series of Instagram posts and public exchanges with critics and followers. In those posts, the celebrity businessman stated unequivocally that he would align himself with Tinubu’s political camp and work against the anticipated presidential bid of former Anambra State governor and Labour Party figure, Peter Obi.
Cubana Chief Priest, who commands a large following across Nigeria’s entertainment and hospitality sectors, framed his decision as both a political and economic calculation. In one exchange, he argued that as an employer and businessman, he preferred collaboration with the incumbent administration rather than opposition politics.
He also publicly declared that he and his family had chosen to “stay with the moving train” of Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, signalling clear political alignment with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The shift is politically significant because the socialite had previously been associated with Peter Obi during the 2023 presidential election cycle. In his own words, he acknowledged that he worked for Obi during that campaign, even while holding an advisory role to an APC-aligned state government.
His new stance therefore represents a notable reversal, particularly within the South-East business community, where Obi enjoyed strong support during the last election.
The controversy surrounding the declaration intensified after an online clash between Cubana Chief Priest and social commentator Isaac Fayose, the brother of former Ekiti State governor Ayodele Fayose. The dispute centred on the socialite’s decision to align with Tinubu’s political movement, with Fayose accusing him of opportunism. In response, Cubana Chief Priest defended his position, arguing that political alignment was a practical choice for a businessman responsible for large-scale employment.
He also linked his support for the APC government to broader political objectives, including the potential release of detained pro-Biafra leader Nnamdi Kanu, stating that such outcomes were more achievable from within the ruling political structure than from opposition ranks.
Beyond social media statements, reports indicate that Cubana Chief Priest has expressed interest in running for a seat in the House of Representatives in 2027 under the APC platform, suggesting that his endorsement of Tinubu is part of a deeper political ambition rather than a mere celebrity opinion.
News reports also describe his announcement of political plans and explicit backing of Tinubu as part of the emerging alignment of business figures with the president’s second-term project.
The development coincides with political moves by his associate, the businessman Obinna Iyiegbu, popularly known as Obi Cubana, who has also been linked to pro-Tinubu political structures ahead of 2027.
This clustering of influential entrepreneurs around the ruling party has prompted renewed discussion about the growing role of celebrity endorsements and business interests in Nigeria’s electoral politics.
Political analysts say such endorsements, while often symbolic, can influence public perception, especially among young voters who are heavily engaged with celebrity culture. As political scientist Larry Diamond once observed, “In transitional democracies, informal power networks (business elites, media figures, and celebrities) can shape political outcomes as much as formal party structures.”
Similarly, Nigerian scholar Professor Jibrin Ibrahim has argued that “the fusion of business capital and political capital is one of the defining features of contemporary Nigerian politics.”
However, critics warn that celebrity political alignments rarely translate into structured policy debates or ideological clarity. Economist Pat Utomi has repeatedly cautioned that “Nigeria’s democracy suffers when politics becomes an extension of celebrity influence rather than a contest of ideas and development strategies.”
For now, Cubana Chief Priest’s declaration remains a personal political endorsement rather than an official party appointment at the national level. Yet its timing (more than a year before the formal campaign cycle for 2027) illustrates how early positioning has already begun among Nigeria’s political and business elites.
Key figures involved:
Pascal Okechukwu (Cubana Chief Priest): Socialite and businessman who declared support for Tinubu.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu: Incumbent Nigerian president expected to seek re-election in 2027.
Peter Obi: Former Anambra governor and likely opposition contender.
Isaac Fayose: Social commentator who criticised the endorsement.
Obinna Iyiegbu (Obi Cubana): Business associate linked to pro-Tinubu political structures.
As Nigeria moves gradually toward the 2027 electoral cycle, the intersection of celebrity influence, business interests and party politics is likely to intensify, raising fresh questions about the nature of democratic mobilisation in Africa’s most populous nation.
Politics
Oselu Tiwa nTiwa Endorses Oriyomi Hamzat for Oyo Governorship
*Oselu Tiwa nTiwa Endorses Oriyomi Hamzat for Oyo Governorship*
A sociopolitical support group in Oyo State, Oselu Tiwa nTiwa, has declared its support for Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat as the authentic governorship candidate of the Accord Party ahead of the forthcoming governorship election in the state.
The group made its position known in a statement jointly signed by its President, Mr. Adewale Oluwaseyi and Secretary, Alh. Adebayo Oyewole, on Thursday, describing Hamzat as a grassroots figure with strong connection to the people and a track record of humanitarian interventions across Oyo State.
According to the group, the endorsement followed what it described as careful observation of Hamzat’s leadership qualities, compassion and dedication to the welfare of ordinary citizens.
“Oriyomi Hamzat has consistently demonstrated empathy, courage and selfless commitment to humanity. Through his numerous interventions in the lives of ordinary citizens, he has become a symbol of hope to many families and communities,” the statement read.
Oselu Tiwa nTiwa also appealed to the national leadership of the Accord Party to prioritise the long-term future and electoral growth of the party in its decision-making process.
The group noted that Hamzat’s candidacy presents an opportunity for the party to strengthen its grassroots support base and expand its political relevance across Oyo State.
“We respectfully appeal to the National Leadership of the Accord Party to look beyond immediate political calculations and consider the bigger picture, the future growth, stability and electoral success of the party in Oyo State and beyond,” the statement added.
The group further expressed confidence in the leadership of the party, saying it believes the party’s national officers and stakeholders would take decisions that reflect fairness, inclusiveness and the collective interest of members.
While calling on party loyalists to remain calm and united, Oselu Tiwa nTiwa said continued consultations among stakeholders would help strengthen the Accord Party ahead of the election.
Signed:
Alh. Adebayo Oyewole,
Secretary.
Politics
Atiku Set To Clinch ADC Presidential Ticket, Leads Amaechi, Hayatu-Deen In 34 States
Atiku Set To Clinch ADC Presidential Ticket, Leads Amaechi, Hayatu-Deen In 34 States
Former Vice President of Nigeria and frontline presidential aspirant of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, is projected to emerge winner of the party’s presidential primaries, according to impeccable sources in Abuja.
The primaries, conducted across over 8,000 wards in the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, reportedly placed Atiku far ahead of his closest rivals — former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, and former Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen.
Highly placed party insiders disclosed that Atiku is currently leading in 34 states, including the FCT, after securing dominance across the 19 Northern states, the five South-East states, and the six South-West states, while also maintaining a strong showing in at least three states in the South-South geopolitical zone.
The sources added that the outcome reflects what they described as “an overwhelming nationwide acceptance” of the former vice president within the opposition party ahead of the 2027 general election.
Meanwhile, the ADC leadership has invited members of the press to the official announcement of the final collated results scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, in Abuja.
The declaration of results is expected to be broadcast live on ARISE Television and two other major television stations, while also being livestreamed on the party’s official social media platforms on X and Facebook.
Speaking ahead of the announcement, the founding National Chairman of the ADC, Chief Ralph Nwosu, said the decision to televise the exercise live was aimed at promoting transparency and democratic accountability.
“We want millions of Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora to witness democracy in action,” Nwosu said.
He further revealed that the party leadership would encourage all three presidential aspirants to publicly embrace a peace accord and commit themselves to working together in unity for the party’s success.
According to him, the move is necessary to strengthen internal cohesion and position the ADC for victory in the presidential election scheduled for January 16, 2027.
Details later.
Politics
Popular Journalist, Hon. Olushola Arike Ayekoto Emerges ADC Candidate for Alimosho Federal Constituency
Popular Journalist, Hon. Olushola Arike Ayekoto Emerges ADC Candidate for Alimosho Federal Constituency
Joy and celebration filled the air for popular broadcaster and veteran journalist, Olushola Arike Ayekoto, after emerging as the candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the House of Representatives seat representing Alimosho ahead of the 2027 general elections.
At the party’s primary election held last week, the prominent female politician defeated her co-contender, Hon. Mojeed Anjolaiya, by a wide margin to secure the party’s ticket.
Although several political developments and consultations had earlier taken place within the ADC concerning who would eventually fly the party’s flag for the federal constituency seat, the contest was finally decided at the primary election where Arike emerged victorious.
Speaking after the exercise, members of the ADC in Alimosho expressed confidence in her leadership ability and political experience, describing her as a capable and grassroots-oriented personality who possesses the qualities needed to effectively represent the people at the National Assembly in Abuja.
Party faithful also noted that her long-standing experience as a professional journalist and public commentator has positioned her as someone who understands the needs and challenges of the people.
Following her emergence, Hon. Arike Olushola expressed deep appreciation to the people of Alimosho for their support and confidence in her candidacy.
She also thanked party leaders, elders, and stakeholders within the ADC for giving her the opportunity to represent the party in the forthcoming election.
According to her, she would not disappoint the electorate and assured party members that their trust in her would be justified.
The ADC candidate further appealed to all members of the party to remain united and work together for the overall success of the party at all levels in the 2027 elections, including the presidential, governorship, senatorial, House of Representatives, and state assembly contests.
She expressed confidence that the ADC would record massive victories in 2027, declaring that the party is fully prepared to take over leadership from the ruling party.
-
news6 months agoWHO REALLY OWNS MONIEPOINT? The $290 Million Deal That Sold Nigeria’s Top Fintech to Foreign Interests
-
society4 weeks agoSOCIAL MEDIA IS NOT A BATTLEFIELD COMMAND – WHY THE NIGERIAN ARMY’S ACTION AGAINST JUSTICE CRACK IS A NATIONAL SECURITY IMPERATIVE
-
celebrity radar - gossips4 months agoDr. Chris Okafor Returns with Power and Fire of the Spirit -Mounts Grace Nation Altar with Fresh Anointing and Restoration Grace on February 1, 2026
-
celebrity radar - gossips6 months agoProphet Kingsley Aitafo Releases 2026 Prophecy: ‘Nigeria Will Rise, but the World Must Prepare for Turbulence’









