Popular socialite, Cubana Chief Priest, has responded to criticism over his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid, questioning what he described as the logic of tribal allegiance in Nigerian politics.
In a statement shared on his Instagram page, the nightlife entrepreneur argued that national interest should take precedence over ethnic considerations, urging Nigerians to prioritise unity for the country’s prosperity.
He praised Tinubu’s political strategy, noting that the president had previously supported Muhammadu Buhari, who is from a different ethnic background, and waited eight years before assuming office.
“If as an Igbo man supporting Tinubu is a betrayal, what is a Yoruba man supporting Obi? We can only be Nigerians for us to prosper in Nigeria,” he wrote.
Chief Priest maintained that backing a leader with an established structure and political experience would benefit supporters in the long run. He argued that ethnic sentiments should not override pragmatic political decisions.
“Tinubu is 20 steps ahead… How can we comfortably decide to fail again, all in the name of being tribalistic?” he stated, adding that “it’s better to be inside than outside.”
The socialite’s remarks followed his sharing of a video showing Igbo businessmen donating buses to Tinubu’s campaign, declaring their intention to mobilise support for the president in the South-East.
His comments have since generated mixed reactions on social media, with supporters applauding his call for unity and critics accusing him of endorsing partisan politics.
