Socialite and entrepreneur, Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, has publicly conceded that failing to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2023 general election was a mistake.
Speaking during the South East segment of the Cityboy Movement tour in Imo State on Saturday, he declared that he and his associates would no longer “waste their votes” and would align more closely with the federal government moving forward.
Chief Priest explained that his initial decision to abstain from supporting Tinubu was influenced by regional loyalty, admitting that it was a miscalculation.
Addressing Seyi Tinubu, the President’s son, who was present at the event, he said, “At the last election, I didn’t support you because I had to be an Igbo boy, and I made some careless mistakes. They say a first fool isn’t a fool, but a second fool is a proper fool. Politics is a game you aim to win, and we don’t want to lose again.”
The entrepreneur also highlighted a recent visit to Aso Rock, arranged by Seyi Tinubu, where he had the opportunity to meet President Tinubu in person.
Chief Priest described the encounter as a powerful display of unity, one that he believes sent a strong signal to his detractors.
“Being taken to the villa to meet your father, the president, was a very bold statement. When my enemies see that picture, they run away,” he said, emphasising the strategic importance of political engagement over opposition.
During his address, Chief Priest announced a formal collaboration between the Cityboy Movement and the federal government, signalling a clear shift from previous political opposition.
He explained that previous attempts at dissent had yielded little progress and that working with the administration offered the most productive path for regional and national development.
“We are not ready to fight anymore. We tried fighting, and it didn’t work. The best we can do is partnership,” he stated, highlighting the benefits of cooperative governance.
The socialite also praised Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma for fostering a strong working relationship with the federal government, attributing the state’s recent development to this alignment.
“Governor Hope Uzodimma has achieved all these marvellous things for Imo State because of his ability to partner with the government at the centre,” he said, stressing the significance of collaboration between state and federal authorities.
Chief Priest further commended Seyi Tinubu for promoting unity across ethnic and regional lines, describing him as a bridge for political cohesion.
He urged Nigerians to recognise the value of supporting the current administration and expressed confidence that growing public backing for President Tinubu could evolve into one of the country’s most influential political movements in the upcoming elections.
Reflecting on his previous stance, Chief Priest admitted that years of political opposition had failed to deliver tangible outcomes, motivating his strategic realignment.
“Politics is a game, and we don’t want to lose again. We will never waste our votes,” he reiterated, reinforcing his renewed commitment to proactive support for the federal government.
He concluded by calling on Nigerians to unite and cooperate with the administration, pledging prayers for President Tinubu’s continued success in office.
Chief Priest emphasised that collective engagement between citizens and government was essential to drive meaningful national development and strengthen political stability across the country.
