In a high-profile meeting on February 2, 2026, billionaire entrepreneur and socialite Obinna Iyiegbu (Obi Cubana) officially transitioned from a business powerhouse to a strategic political player. Hosting Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, at his Abuja residence, Cubana accepted his appointment as the South-East Coordinator for the City Boy Movement (CBM).
This move marks a significant shift in the South-East’s political landscape, as the movement gears up for early mobilization ahead of the 2027 general elections.
1. Strategic Engagement: “Influence from Within”
Addressing the mixed reactions from the public—particularly from those who see the South-East as an opposition stronghold—Obi Cubana defended his decision with a pragmatic “insider” philosophy.
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Engagement over Isolation: Cubana argued that meaningful change for the South-East cannot be achieved from the sidelines. He emphasized that being “part of the system” allows him to guide those in power more effectively.
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The “City Boy” Identity: Declaring himself a “City Boy through and through,” he aligned himself with President Tinubu’s branding, describing the President as a “man of commerce and leadership” whose ethos resonates with the entrepreneurial spirit of the region.
2. Security and Regional Revival
A key highlight of the discussions was the notable improvement in security across the South-East during the December 2025 festive season.
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The “Ala Igbo” Experience: Cubana credited the collaboration between South-East governors and the Federal Government for restoring peace, noting that for the first time in years, families and investors could “truly enjoy” their homeland without fear.
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Economic Outlook: He expressed confidence that the region is on track to regain its status as the economic powerhouse of West Africa, predicting that “better days are ahead” for commerce and regional connectivity.
3. The 2026 Youth & Enterprise Agenda
Beyond politics, Obi Cubana outlined a vision for enterprise-led development throughout the current year:
| Focus Area | Objective |
| Youth Empowerment | Deepening national engagement through mentorship and funding for young entrepreneurs. |
| Inclusive Policy | Advising leadership on frameworks that support women, children, and small businesses. |
| Regional Unity | Moving South-East development beyond partisan divides through competence-driven leadership. |
4. Understanding the City Boy Movement (CBM)
For those unfamiliar with the group, the City Boy Movement is more than just a fan club.
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Founding: Established in 2022 as a youth-driven support group for Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
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The 2026 Mandate: The movement is now formalizing its structure by appointing State Directors and coordinators (like Cubana) to mobilize grassroots support for the Renewed Hope Agenda and the 2027 re-election bid.
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Key Pillars: Advocacy, impact awareness (explaining policies like the fuel subsidy removal), and building a formidable network of young Nigerians.
“Service remains my guiding principle. Lasting change comes from engaging with the system, not standing outside it.” — Obi Cubana
