
Nigerian socialite and businessman Cubana Chief Priest has explained why he decided to move from online activism into active politics, saying social media criticism alone cannot bring real change.
Speaking during an interview on The Beat FM, the celebrity barman said years of making posts and videos without seeing meaningful results pushed him to seek direct involvement in governance.
“What we have to do at this moment is to go beyond what we used to do,” he said.
“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.”
According to him, he believes his influence, experience and financial capacity can be used more effectively in public service than in online commentary.
“I felt I could go beyond social media posting. I have the energy to participate, I have the energy, money and experience to participate,” he stated.
“As someone who has been able to build himself to this standard, as someone who has been able to help brands to 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.”
Despite failing to secure the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket for the Orsu/Orlu/Oru East federal constituency House of Representatives race, Cubana Chief Priest insisted that his support for the ruling party remains firm.
“My support for the party is undiluted, and my support for the president is something that is unshakable,” he said.
The Imo-born socialite also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, citing the impact of subsidy removal and increased allocations to state governments.
“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 added.
Earlier this month, Cubana Chief Priest revealed that he voluntarily stepped down from the APC primary race after consultations with party leaders over zoning arrangements that did not favour his local government area.
However, during a separate Twitch livestream with streamer Peller, the socialite claimed President Tinubu does not fully trust him because he once worked for Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election.
His comments come as more Nigerian entertainers and influencers continue to show interest in politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.