Celebrity barman and socialite Cubana Chief Priest has insisted that his loyalty to President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is ‘undiluted and unshakable’ despite recent political setbacks in Imo State.
Speaking during an interview on The Beat FM, the businessman dismissed suggestions that his failed attempt to secure the party’s ticket had weakened his relationship with the APC.
“My support for the party is undiluted, and my support for the president is something that is unshakable,” he said.
Cubana Chief Priest, who recently lost the APC ticket for the Orsu/Orlu/Oru East federal constituency, clarified growing conversations surrounding his political future and commitment to the party following the primary election. The socialite, who has also been actively linked with APC mobilisation activities in the South-East and publicly identified with the City Boy Movement supporting Tinubu, affirmed that his support for the president remains unquestionable.
He further explained that his decision to become actively involved in politics was driven by a desire to move beyond social media commentary and participate directly in governance and decision-making.
“What we have to do at this moment is to go beyond what we used to do. What was done over the years was make a post, make a video, people are going to like and comment… but after that, what happens? Nothing happens,” he stated.
According to him, his influence, resources and experience could be better utilised in contributing to governance rather than merely reacting online.
“I felt I could go beyond social media posting. I have the energy to participate, I have the energy, money and experience to participate.
“As someone who has been able to build himself to this standard, as someone who has been able to help brands do better, I felt I could help make a difference at the table where decisions are being made instead of waiting for those decisions to be made and I go ranting on social media,” he added.
Cubana Chief Priest also pointed to developments in Imo State as part of the reasons behind his support for the APC-led administration, arguing that governors now have more financial capacity to execute projects following the removal of fuel subsidy.
“I had to take a proper look at the achievements of APC in my own state. I come from Imo State. I see the contribution of what the president has done.
“A lot of governors now are able to do a lot of things in their states without borrowing money. They have opportunities to get this money that’s being gotten back from subsidy to help them build,” he said.
Earlier this month, the celebrity businessman disclosed that he voluntarily stepped down from the APC primary race after consultations with party leaders over zoning arrangements that reportedly did not favour his local government area.
However, during a Twitch live session with streamer Peller, he claimed President Tinubu does not fully trust him because he once worked for Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 elections.
