In Nigeria’s evolving political landscape, the idea that influential Igbo businessmen like Obi Cubana, Cubana Chief Priest (Pascal Okechukwu), and other wealthy Igbo entrepreneurs cannot deliver votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the Southeast is not just shortsighted — it misunderstands how Nigerian politics works. Their involvement is far less about sentiment and more about strategic engagement, social influence, and realpolitik that millions of Nigerians already witness during every election cycle.
Before jumping to emotional conclusions, let’s unpack this in a broader context, rooted in recent developments and credible data.
Elite Endorsements and Political Influence: A Reality, Not an Exception
Recently, prominent Anambra‑born entrepreneur Obi Cubana was officially appointed South‑East Coordinator of the City Boy Movement (CBM) — a pro‑Tinubu political support group mobilizing youths and non‑traditional actors ahead of the 2027 election. This appointment was presented by Seyi Tinubu, the president’s son, in Abuja.
Obi Cubana, already a household name in hospitality, entertainment, and business, accepted this role with the explanation that constructive political engagement, not detachment, drives change. In his own words, lasting transformation doesn’t come from standing on the sidelines — it comes from participating in national conversations and policy shaping.
Similarly, Cubana Chief Priest — once a vocal supporter of Peter Obi in the 2023 elections — has publicly stated his intention to campaign against Obi and lean into the ‘City Boy’ movement for 2027. His shift highlights a broader trend: political alignments among elites are fluid, strategic and rarely purely emotional.
Why Vote Buying Narratives Fall Short of Explaining Nigeria’s Political Realities
Some critics dismiss such alignments as “selling out” or accuse elites of buying votes in the Southeast — but this interpretation oversimplifies complex electoral dynamics.
The 2023 elections and subsequent analyses revealed that vote buying was present across Nigeria, but the issue isn’t unique to one region or group. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), data showed that in 2023, about 22% of Nigerians reported being offered money or other favours for their votes — an increase from previous elections.
Scholars and observers note that vote buying in Nigeria is largely a symptom of deeper socioeconomic challenges — including poverty, weak political education, and trust deficits in institutions — rather than purely cultural or regional choices. This means that monetary inducements exert influence where alternatives to cash relief and credible governance options are perceived as lacking.
So while it’s common to hear questions like “How much did people sell their votes for?” in the 2023 elections — with many estimates ranging from ₦5,000 to ₦10,000 per voter — it is misleading to reduce large voting blocs to transactional participants. What the NBS data and election studies show is that voters may be offered money but still vote based on how they perceive their best interests, security, and future prospects.
The Role of Business Leaders in Political Mobilization
Nigeria is not a traditional democracy where only party officials or politicians decide elections. Influential figures — from religious leaders to business moguls, entertainers, and community advocates — all have sway, especially among younger voters.
In the South‑East, individuals like Obi Cubana are seen as cultural icons as much as business leaders. Their reach goes far beyond boardrooms — they command social capital among youths, innovators, and aspirational Nigerians. That influence can translate into civic engagement and political mobilization, especially when backed by organized movements like the City Boy Movement.
It’s important to note that the City Boy Movement isn’t just a glorified endorsement platform. It is designed to meaningfully engage young Nigerians in governance, advocacy, and policy awareness. Its objectives include grassroots initiatives, town hall engagements, and youth leadership programs — which inherently influence political conversations on the ground.
Understanding Political Choices Through a Broader Lens
Critics often frame this as a betrayal — as if these entrepreneurs have abandoned their Igbo identity or values by collaborating with the ruling party. But in a multi‑ethnic, highly competitive political system like Nigeria’s, decisions by influential individuals are rarely visceral; they are often strategic, aimed at ensuring access to resources, policy influence, and development pathways for their communities.
This is compounded by the fact that the Southeast has often felt politically marginalized due to perceived underrepresentation in federal policymaking. Enlisting a heavyweight like Obi Cubana into a national support infrastructure isn’t just symbolic — it signals that the ruling party aims to build bridges rather than leave key regions at the periphery.
The Limitations of Condemning Political Realities Without Solutions
Instead of merely labeling these figures as “sellouts,” a more constructive approach acknowledges a few key realities:
1. Nigeria’s political environment is highly competitive and practical.
Individuals with large social influence often seek relevance in national conversations because they believe it increases their ability to influence policy and attract investments. Engaging with incumbents can open doors for negotiation on infrastructure, business climate reforms, and youth opportunities.
2. Supporters of other candidates (like Peter Obi) also leverage influence.
It’s worth remembering that in 2023, religious leaders and community institutions played a significant role mobilizing votes in the Southeast — with many clerics openly supporting Peter Obi’s candidacy.
3. Politics is not a zero‑sum game.
Being critical of a decision doesn’t mean one must curse the individual making it. Political disagreements should ideally focus on ideas, policies, and long‑term outcomes rather than personal vilification.
Why Prayer, Unity, and Broad Engagement Matter More Than Fractures
For many observers, the focus should be on how political engagements can uplift the Southeast — economically, socially, and politically. The dichotomy of supporters vs. critics serves little purpose if it deepens divisions without actionable solutions.
If influential Igbo figures choose to align with President Tinubu’s support structures, critics may not agree, but they should also recognize the potential opportunities this engagement creates. When elites participate in governance debates rather than being sidelined, there is greater chance for input on national policy decisions that impact infrastructure, job creation, regulatory reforms, and investment incentives in the Southeast.
This isn’t about abandoning principles — but about strategic inclusion.
Conclusion: Let’s Focus on Impact, Not Insults
In the Nigerian political ecosystem — where alliances are fluid and voter behaviour is shaped by a mix of socio‑economic realities and cultural influences — it’s simplistic to dismiss influential Igbo businessmen as incapable of delivering votes for Tinubu or any candidate. Their social clout, business networks, and rising youth influence make their political engagement significant — regardless of personal political beliefs.
Rather than cursing these individuals or questioning their loyalty to region and identity, a more effective mindset would be:
Engage critically but constructively.
Encourage issue‑based politics rather than personality politics.
Pray and hope for development that benefits the Southeast regardless of who wins or loses.
Recognize that political influence is most powerful when channeled toward positive outcomes.
At the end of the day, ideas and policies that improve lives will always outlast headline‑driven narratives about loyalty or betrayal.
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