Popular Nigerian socialite and businessman, Pascal Okechukwu, widely known as Cubana Chiefpriest, has sparked political debate after explaining why the Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, has not joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC) alongside former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
Speaking in a recent interview, the nightlife entrepreneur, who is known for his open support for President Bola Tinubu, claimed that Governor Otti’s decision is linked to the level of support he is receiving from the Federal Government.
According to Cubana Chiefpriest, the Federal Government has been providing financial backing that has helped the Abia State government carry out development projects and improve governance.
He described Otti as an “amazing governor,” adding that his performance reflects what can be achieved when federal support is effectively used at the state level.
“All of us support Asiwaju. If it is not true, let him follow Peter Obi to ADC,” he said, referring to President Tinubu by his popular title.
The comment comes at a time when political alignments and party movements are gaining attention ahead of future elections. The African Democratic Congress has recently been mentioned in discussions around possible coalitions involving opposition figures.
However, Governor Otti, who was elected under the platform of the Labour Party, has not indicated any plan to leave his current political base or align with other parties.
Cubana Chiefpriest argued that the governor’s achievements in Abia State are partly due to the support and guidance of the presidency. He said Nigerians should recognise the role of the Federal Government in enabling state governments to succeed.
“Such an amazing governor, representing the presidency well through his actions. Respect Asiwaju, as you hail Otti, do not forget to also hail the person supporting him,” he said.
His remarks have drawn mixed reactions from political observers and members of the public, with some agreeing with his views while others see them as political opinion rather than fact.
In Nigeria’s federal system, state governments receive monthly allocations from the Federal Government, which are meant to support development projects and public services. These funds are shared among states based on a formula that considers factors such as population, land size, and revenue generation.
Cubana Chiefpriest stressed that the same allocation given to Abia State is also given to other states, suggesting that the difference in performance lies in how governors manage the resources.
“Alex Otti is an example that Tinubu is not the problem, but the governors. The same allocation is given to all states,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to shift their focus from blaming the President to holding state governors accountable for how they use public funds.
“People should hold their governors accountable. That is how the country will get better,” he added.
The debate over responsibility for governance has been a recurring issue in Nigeria, with many citizens often blaming the Federal Government for challenges such as poor infrastructure, unemployment, and insecurity.
Governor Otti, who assumed office in 2023, has been praised in some quarters for efforts to improve infrastructure and governance in Abia State. His administration has focused on road construction, urban renewal, and reforms in public service delivery.
Supporters say these efforts have led to visible changes in parts of the state, while critics argue that more needs to be done to address long-standing challenges.
The comments by Cubana Chiefpriest also touched on his home state, Imo, where he said the governor is making good use of federal allocations. He suggested that if all governors performed at a similar level, Nigeria would see significant progress.
“As far as I am concerned, the President gives allocations to my state, and our governor is working. If all governors do the same, we will have a better country,” he said.
They also highlight the growing influence of public figures, including celebrities and social media personalities, in shaping political opinions and public discourse.
In recent years, figures like Cubana Chiefpriest have used their platforms to express views on national issues, often reaching large audiences and sparking conversations among young Nigerians.
While some see this as a positive development that encourages civic engagement, others caution that such opinions should be carefully evaluated, especially when they involve complex political matters.
As Nigeria continues to face economic and social challenges, questions about governance, accountability, and resource management remain central to public debate.
The relationship between the Federal Government and state governments is also a key factor in shaping development outcomes, with cooperation often seen as essential for progress.
For now, Governor Otti has not publicly responded to the comments made by Cubana Chiefpriest, and there has been no official statement regarding any potential political realignment.
Similarly, Peter Obi has not commented on the claims, although he remains an influential figure in Nigeria’s opposition politics.
As discussions continue, many Nigerians are watching closely, not just for political developments, but also for tangible improvements in governance and living conditions across the country.