By Adesakin Adefemi
Entrepreneur and socialite Pascal Chibuike Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, has explained why he abandoned Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi for President Bola Tinubu ahead of 2027.
Cubana Chief Priest was one of the most vocal celebrity supporters of Obi during the last election cycle. He said he has now switched allegiance and is backing Tinubu’s re-election bid.
The businessman, who now coordinates the City Boys Movement launched by Seyi Tinubu for grassroots mobilisation, said his decision was strategic. He told popular streamer Peller that he could not afford to be on the losing side again.
“I left Obi because I don’t want to lose again. Peter will still not win because he is not ready,” Cubana Chief Priest said in the interview.
He argued that Obi lacked the structure and readiness needed to win the next presidential election. According to him, aligning with the ruling party offers a more realistic path to political relevance.
The move marks a sharp shift for Cubana Chief Priest, who was seen at rallies and on social media campaigning for Obi in 2023. His defection has drawn reactions from supporters of both camps.
The City Boys Movement, which he now leads, is positioned as a youth-focused platform to mobilise support for Tinubu ahead of 2027. The group has been holding meetings and outreach events in several states.
Cubana Chief Priest’s switch reflects the realignments already taking shape as political actors position themselves for the next election cycle. Several other influencers and celebrities have made similar moves in recent months.
While Obi’s camp has not formally responded, analysts say defections from high-profile supporters could affect the Labour Party’s visibility among urban youth. For now, Cubana Chief Priest says his focus is on delivering results for the Tinubu camp.
