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.

ADC Inaugurates Southwest Zonal Working Committee in Ibadan, Reaffirms Party Strength and Unity

In a significant move to boost its regional structure and foster greater coordination, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Tuesday inaugurated its Southwest Zonal Working Committee during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Kakanfo Inn, Off Ring Road, Ibadan.

The event brought together key party figures, state chairmen, and additional stakeholders from across the six Southwest states, highlighting the party’s commitment to inclusive representation and grassroots engagement.

The inauguration ceremony was presided over by prominent party leaders, including the National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola. State chairmen from Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, and Oyo presented comprehensive reports on the party’s structure, penetration, and preparedness in their respective states.

The briefing began with Hon. Ilesanmi Omolayo, the Ekiti State ADC Chairman, and concluded with Hon. Ashiru George from Lagos, collectively delivering reassuring accounts that underscored the ADC’s growing organizational stability and readiness for upcoming political activities.

In his address, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola charged all elected party officials and stakeholders to remain committed to strengthening the ADC in the Southwest and across Nigeria. He emphasized the importance of unity, discipline, and effective coordination as key pillars for building a formidable party capable of offering Nigerians a credible, people-oriented alternative. Aregbesola also stressed the need for continuous engagement with the national leadership to ensure proper harmonization, validation, and accuracy of party officers in all states.

During the meeting, the names of Southwest officers serving at the national level were formally read and inaugurated, reaffirming the zone’s influential role within the party’s hierarchy which includes;

1). Akinbolawale Omole – National Vice Chairman (Ekiti)

2). Captain Tunji Shelle – National Director, Communication and Programmes (Lagos)

3). Professor Bode Ayorinde – Diversity and Inclusion Secretary (Ondo)

4). Fabiyi Oladimeji – Deputy National Financial Secretary (Ogun)

5). Alhaja Khafilat Omolabake Olayiwola – Deputy National Women Leader (Oyo)

6). Olufemi Adeleye – Deputy Coordinator, Diaspora (Ekiti)

7). Mrs. Yidiat Omolara Oseni – Assistant National Organising Secretary (Osun)

Additionally, the newly appointed members of the Southwest Zonal Working Committee were introduced, further enhancing the party’s zonal framework. These zonal appointments include;

8). Assistant National Secretary: Architect Basiru Aremu Lawal

9). Assistant National Woman Leader Zonal: Lady Lydia Omarisola Olafunmiloye (Ondo)

10). Assistant National Youth Leader Zonal: Mrs. Elizabeth Adeola Olusi (Lagos)

Party leaders expressed optimism about the committee’s potential to improve leadership efficiency, promote democratic ideals, and drive regional development initiatives. The ADC remains resolute in its mission to deepen democratic values, strengthen internal structures, and position itself as a viable force for national development.

This inauguration marks a progressive step for the ADC in the Southwest, to enhance a positive collaboration and a unified push toward greater political impact in Nigeria.

ADC…. Arise and Shine!

OGUN VISIONARIES READY TO HOLD SECOND EDITION OF TOWN HALL MEETING IN IJEBU ODE

As part of its commitment to participatory democracy, Ogun Visionaries for Yayi has announced plans to hold the second edition of its Town Hall Meeting on Thursday, 12th February, at RONTEX Hall Events Centre, opposite the Old Burial Ground, Ibadan Road, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State. The event is scheduled to commence at 11:00 a.m.

This was disclosed in a press release signed by Hon. Monsur Oloyede, Chairman of the Planning Committee, who assured that the programme would be one of the best town hall engagements organised by the group.

According to him, the town hall meeting is aimed at bringing together the people of Ogun State—particularly stakeholders from Ogun West—to further enlighten and mobilise support for the 2027 gubernatorial ambition of Senator Solomon Adeola (Yayi).

The Honourable Minister of Health, Dr. Adekunle Isiaq Salako, will serve as Chairman of the Occasion, while Dr. Fatimat Oluwakemi Binta Shoge will be the Chair person

The. Mother of the Day is Otunba Dr. Aderonke Kolade Cairo, the Eeta Iyalode Bobakeye Obinrin Akileand Grand Matron of Ogun Visionaries.

The Keynote Address will be delivered by Rt. Hon. Tunji Egbetokun, former Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, while Hon. Onadeko Onanusi, former Member of the House of Assembly, will serve as Guest Speaker.

The Royal Fathers of the Day are:
Oba Adedotun Odunneye Odusanya, JP, Osijiya II, Olu of Odonselu, Alaro Kingdom, Ijebu and Oba Kazeem Adesina Salami, Ilufẹmiloba I, Osobia, Paramount Ruler of Makun-Omi.

Dr. Niyi Osoba will also feature as Speaker of the Day.Chief Segun Ojolowo Ojuko
The Ogboye of Ota Aworiland
Fmr SSA on housing to Ogun State also will deliever speech that day

Discussants for the programme include Hon. Tola Banjo, Olootu Bolaji Adeniji, and Princess Florence Feyikemi, while Chief Ajiroba Dapo Oke, Register Tai Solarin federal University of education Ijagun, will serve as Chief Reviewer/Rapporteur

The Director-General of Ogun Visionaries for Yayi, Hon. Odunleye Odunjo, will be the Chief Host of the event.