Popular Nigerian socialite and businessman Pascal Okechukwu, better known as Cubana Chief Priest, has claimed that President Bola Tinubu does not fully trust him due to his Igbo ethnicity and past support for Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential election.

The celebrity barman made the revelation during a livestream with popular streamer Habeeb “Peller” Hamzat on Tuesday night, shortly after failing to secure the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket for the Orsu/Orlu/Oru East Federal Constituency in Imo State.

“Tinubu doesn’t really trust me because I’m an Igbo man and I worked for Peter Obi before,” Cubana Chief Priest said. “He looks at me with one eye because of that.”

He explained that he had previously supported Obi but switched allegiance, believing the Labour Party candidate was not positioned to win. Despite his close ties to the Tinubu family, including public association with the President’s son, Seyi Tinubu, Cubana Chief Priest polled only 14 votes in the APC primary against the incumbent lawmaker, Canice Moore Nwachukwu.

The socialite, who serves as Imo State Coordinator of the City Boys Movement, downplayed the loss, insisting he had withdrawn from the race due to zoning arrangements after consultations with party leaders. He also revealed receiving special treatment from APC stakeholders, including a promise of a brand new car.

Cubana Chief Priest has urged young Nigerians to support President Tinubu and actively participate in politics ahead of the 2027 general elections. His comments have sparked widespread reactions online, with many debating issues of trust, ethnicity, and loyalty within the APC.

resents Economic Rescue and Security Blueprint

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Wednesday appeared before the Presidential Screening Panel of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as part of the party’s nomination process for the 2027 election.

The screening exercise, held in Abuja, saw Atiku present his credentials along with a comprehensive blueprint focused on economic revival and enhanced national security. He was accompanied by key allies including former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal and former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami.

A statement issued after the session by Atiku’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, described the exercise as smooth and productive. Atiku reportedly assured the panel of his commitment to tackling insecurity, unemployment, and economic hardship if given the party’s ticket.

The development comes on the same day the rival Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) cleared Peter Obi as its sole presidential aspirant, highlighting the ongoing realignment within Nigeria’s opposition ahead of 2027.

Atiku, who recently joined the ADC, is seen as one of the party’s frontrunners for the presidential ticket. The ADC is expected to hold its primaries in the coming days, with party leaders urging unity to mount a strong challenge against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu.

Reactions have begun trailing in from across the political spectrum as major opposition figures position themselves for the next general election.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged Nigerians to draw inspiration from Arsenal Football Club’s Premier League title win.

Arsenal won their first Premier League title in 22 years after Manchester City played out a 1-1 draw with Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Tuesday night.

The result means that Mikel Arteta‘s side are now an unassailable four points clear at the top of the table with one game remaining.

Eli Junior Kroupi’s brilliant, curling finish put the hosts ahead in the first half before Erling Haaland’s stoppage-time goal gave the visitors late hope, but Man City failed to secure the win they needed to at least delay the title celebration at the Emirates Stadium.

Reacting in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku congratulated Arsenal, its players, coaching crew, and millions of loyal supporters across Nigeria and the world on their remarkable Premier League triumph.

He also described the Gunners’ triumph as a powerful testament to resilience, discipline, strategic leadership, and an unyielding belief in long-term vision—qualities he said mirror the values that have defined his lifelong commitment to public service, economic reform, and national development.

“Arsenal’s victory did not happen overnight. It is the product of years of rebuilding, disciplined planning, bold decision-making, and the courage to stay the course even when success seemed distant. These are the same principles that have guided my journey in both public life and the private sector,” he said.

Atiku further noted that his economic blueprint has consistently emphasized private sector-led growth, job creation, and the restructuring of the Nigerian economy to unlock productivity and prosperity.

The former VP added that, like a well-managed football club, a nation must create an enabling environment where talent can thrive, innovation is rewarded, and performance is sustained.

“My vision has always been to build an economy that works for all—driven by enterprise, strengthened by institutional reforms, and powered by the energy of our youth.

“Just as Arsenal invested in youth development and a clear footballing philosophy, Nigeria must invest in its people, reform its institutions, and stay committed to a coherent economic strategy,” he added.

He particularly hailed the unwavering support of Nigerian fans, who have stood firmly behind the club through highs and lows, describing their loyalty as “a reflection of the enduring Nigerian spirit—hopeful, resilient, and unbreakable.”

Drawing a parallel to his political path, Atiku emphasized that meaningful change, like great sporting success, demands patience, courage, consistency, and the willingness to keep striving despite setbacks.

“Arsenal’s triumph is a powerful reminder that persistence, discipline, and an unwavering belief in one’s mission ultimately produce results. My own journey in public service has been defined by resilience, consistency, and an unshaken commitment to the Nigerian project,” Atiku said.