OWERRI, NIGERIA — What was intended to be a high-octane display of political philanthropy turned into a standoff at Federal Polytechnic Nekede on Tuesday, as students openly rejected a campaign push for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led by celebrity socialite Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest.
The “City Boy Movement” rally, designed to consolidate youth support for the presidency in the South-East, hit a wall of skepticism when students dismissed the socialite’s multi-million naira promises in favour of accountability for past pledges.
The High-Stakes Offer
In a bid to sway the student body, Cubana Chief Priest announced a sweeping empowerment package: ₦1 million each for 12 students, the payment of school fees for 1,000 students, and the donation of a new campus bus. The socialite framed the gifts as a “taster” of the dividends that would follow if the youth fully aligned with the Tinubu administration.
However, the “grand gesture” failed to land as expected. Rather than the anticipated cheers, the atmosphere grew tense as students began to heckle, voicing their refusal to be bought by short-term financial incentives.
Refusal and the “Audio” Legacy
The rejection was rooted in deep-seated frustration over unfulfilled promises from the 2023 election cycle. Students and youth activists present at the rally were quick to remind the socialite of his role in Governor Hope Uzodimma’s reelection campaign, where a high-profile pledge was made to send 4,000 Imo youths abroad for employment.
“We are still waiting for the 4,000 visas,” shouted one student leader, referring to the infamous “Japa” promise that has yet to materialize. The crowd’s refusal to endorse the campaign was a clear signal that the “City Boy” brand faces a severe trust deficit in the South-East.
“You can’t come here with ₦1 million when the economy is in tatters and expect us to forget the 4,000 lives you promised to change last year,” another student remarked, as the crowd began to chant in disapproval.
A Message to the Political Class
The pushback at Nekede Polytechnic marks a significant shift in the Nigerian political landscape, where celebrity endorsements and cash distributions have historically been enough to secure youth support. By rejecting the campaign, the students sent a loud message: the era of “audio” promises—political slang for fake or unfulfilled vows—is over.
Despite the socialite’s attempts to maintain the momentum of the rally, the event concluded with a palpable sense of defiance. The students’ stance underscores a growing demand for tangible governance over “stomach infrastructure,” leaving the City Boy Movement to rethink its strategy in a region that remains politically volatile.
