Celebrity businessman and social media personality, Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, has denied participating in the All Progressives Congress, APC, primary election for the Orsu/Orlu/Oru East Federal Constituency seat in Imo State.
The nightlife entrepreneur made the clarification in a series of posts shared on his Instagram story on Sunday, insisting that he voluntarily stepped down from the race before the primary election was held.
His latest statement comes days after a viral video surfaced online in which he appeared disappointed with the outcome of the APC primary, saying his only regret was “trusting the elders in the community” after allegedly receiving only 14 votes during the exercise.
The businessman had declared interest in contesting for the APC ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections but eventually lost the ticket to the incumbent member representing the constituency, Canice Nwachukwu.
However, in his latest explanation, Okechukwu said he never took part in the primary election because he respected the party’s zoning arrangement after discussions with Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma.
Describing himself as “a loyal party man and committed progressive,” he said the governor explained to him that it was not yet the turn of his local government area to occupy the federal constituency seat.
According to him, the APC leadership in the state had agreed that Orlu Local Government Area should complete at least two terms before the position would rotate to another area within the constituency.
“He made the argument that it was not the turn of my Local Government Area to occupy the seat at this time, especially considering that my elder brother, Asiwaju Jerry Alagboso, had previously served three terms in the House,” Okechukwu wrote.
The businessman added that although he accepted the zoning arrangement, his political ambition was motivated by what he described as dissatisfaction with the performance of the current lawmaker representing the constituency.
“My decision and resolve to aspire for the office were born out of my conviction that the current holder of the office was not living up to the expectations and aspirations of our people,” he stated.
He explained that after the APC leadership communicated its final decision to him in the early hours of Saturday before the primary election, he immediately withdrew from the process and returned to Lagos.
“In respect for the party and its leadership, I chose not to proceed to the field, and indeed, I never did. Nobody will say they saw me anywhere around the primaries venue. In fact I did not participate. As I headed straight back to Lagos,” he wrote.
Okechukwu insisted that he completely stayed away from the venue of the primary election in obedience to the agreement reached with the party leadership.
“Immediately the party’s decision was communicated to me in the early hours of Saturday before the primaries, I stayed away completely in respect of the leadership and the internal understanding reached,” he added.
The businessman also dismissed social media discussions surrounding the primary election, claiming that some persons were deliberately trying to create controversy around his name for online attention.
“It is laughable that some misguided elements are attempting to use my name for unnecessary trending and online propaganda,” he said.
Reacting to reports that he might have borrowed money or become indebted to supporters during the failed political bid, Okechukwu denied owing anyone.
“I am not indebted to anybody over my aspiration. The aspiration was entirely mine, driven by my personal conviction and desire to serve,” he stated.
He further said he had no regrets about contesting for the seat, adding that his ambition helped increase political awareness and participation among young people in the constituency.
The controversy surrounding the APC primary attracted attention across social media because of Cubana Chief Priest’s popularity in the entertainment industry and his close association with several celebrities and political figures.
His involvement in politics also generated interest among youths in Imo State and beyond, with many supporters viewing his ambition as part of a growing trend of entertainers and businessmen moving into active politics.
Shortly after reports emerged that he lost the primary election, Seyi Tinubu publicly encouraged him in an Instagram post.
“Bro, sometimes by losing a battle, you find a new way to win the war,” Seyi Tinubu wrote.
The message quickly circulated online and drew mixed reactions from supporters of both men.
Cubana Chief Priest has in recent years become one of Nigeria’s most recognised social media personalities, known for his luxury lifestyle, celebrity connections and business activities in the hospitality industry.
He has also openly shown support for President Bola Tinubu and the APC, especially during the 2023 general elections.
In his latest statement, Okechukwu reaffirmed his loyalty to the ruling party and pledged to continue supporting President Tinubu’s political agenda ahead of the 2027 elections.
“The APC remains my party, today and always. I remain loyal and committed to the ideals and leadership of our great party,” he wrote.
He also promised to continue mobilising political support for Tinubu’s re-election campaign through his “City Boy Movement,” a political support group linked to the president’s popularity among young Nigerians.
Despite the controversy surrounding the Imo APC primary, Cubana Chief Priest’s latest comments appear aimed at calming tensions among his supporters while also reaffirming his loyalty to the party leadership in the state.