A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Joe Igbokwe, has strongly criticised Nigerians who attacked popular businessman and socialite, Mr Obinna Iyiegbu, widely known as Obi Cubana, over his recent appointment by a pro-APC group.
Obi Cubana was recently named the South-East Coordinator of the City Boy Movement, a political support group working towards the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The announcement sparked heated reactions on social media, with many users condemning the businessman for associating with the ruling party.
The criticism reflects the deep political divisions in the country, especially in the South-East, where support for the APC has traditionally been low compared to other regions. Many online commentators accused Obi Cubana of betraying public expectations and lending his popularity to a party they oppose.
Reacting to the controversy, Joe Igbokwe, a former APC spokesperson in Lagos State and a known supporter of President Tinubu, came out strongly in defence of the businessman. In a post on his official Facebook page on Sunday, Igbokwe described those insulting Obi Cubana as ignorant and lacking understanding of politics.
He accused critics of making emotional and uninformed statements, arguing that politics should not be approached with anger or sentiment alone. According to him, Obi Cubana’s decision to accept a political role should be seen within the wider context of national interest and political engagement.
Igbokwe wrote that people attacking the businessman did not understand how politics works and were quick to insult without thinking. He claimed that many of the critics lacked basic political awareness and did not care to understand the reasons behind Obi Cubana’s action.
He further argued that politics plays a more powerful role in shaping a country than business or economics alone. According to him, meaningful change can only happen when people engage with political power rather than standing outside and complaining.
The APC chieftain’s comments, however, also attracted reactions, with some Nigerians criticising his language and saying it was too harsh. Others agreed with his position, saying Obi Cubana, as a private citizen, has the right to support any political party of his choice.
Obi Cubana is a well-known entrepreneur in Nigeria, especially in the hospitality and entertainment sectors. He rose to national fame following his mother’s burial in 2021, which attracted high-profile personalities and drew attention to his business success and influence. Since then, he has remained a major figure in business and social circles.
His appointment as South-East Coordinator of the City Boy Movement is seen by political observers as part of the APC’s efforts to strengthen its presence in the South-East ahead of future elections. The region has often complained of marginalisation and has shown limited support for the ruling party in past polls.
The City Boy Movement is one of several political support groups formed to mobilise grassroots backing for President Tinubu. Supporters of the group say it aims to promote the President’s achievements and build support for his administration, especially among young people and business communities.
Critics of Obi Cubana’s appointment argue that influential figures should remain neutral or support opposition voices to push for better governance. Some social media users claimed that his acceptance of the role sends the wrong message at a time when many Nigerians are unhappy with economic conditions in the country.
Nigeria is currently facing economic challenges, including high inflation, rising cost of living, and currency pressure. These issues have increased public frustration and made political discussions more heated, particularly online. As a result, public figures who align with the government often face strong backlash.
Supporters of Obi Cubana, however, argue that engagement with the ruling party is a better way to influence policy and attract development to the South-East. They say boycotting national politics has not yielded positive results for the region and that collaboration could open doors to new opportunities.
Joe Igbokwe, who hails from the South-East, has long argued that the region should actively participate in national politics rather than isolate itself. He has repeatedly called on leaders and business figures from the area to work with the federal government, regardless of party differences.
The controversy also raises wider questions about the role of business leaders in politics. In Nigeria, wealthy entrepreneurs often play key roles in political campaigns, either as sponsors, advisers, or public supporters. While some Nigerians welcome this involvement, others see it as self-serving or insensitive to public suffering.
As of the time of this report, Obi Cubana has not made any public statement responding to the criticism or to Igbokwe’s defence. His silence has not stopped the debate, which continues across social media platforms.