Celebrity businessman and social media personality, Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, has denied claims that he participated in the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for the Orsu/Orlu/Oru East Federal Constituency seat in Imo State.
He clarified that he voluntarily stepped down from the race before the primary election took place, stating that his decision followed consultations with Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, on the party’s zoning arrangement.
In a series of Instagram story posts on Sunday, Okechukwu said reports suggesting he was defeated in the primary were inaccurate, insisting he never took part in the voting process.
According to him, the APC leadership had explained that the zoning formula in the constituency favoured a rotation that had not yet reached his local government area.
“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,” he wrote, referring to Governor Uzodimma’s position during their discussions.
Cubana Chief Priest explained that although he initially aspired to contest, his intention was rooted in concerns about representation in the constituency.
“My decision and resolve to aspire for the office was 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 further maintained that once the party formally upheld its zoning arrangement, he complied with the directive and withdrew completely from the process.
“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 added.
Okechukwu also claimed that the party’s decision was communicated to him before the primary election and that he respected the internal agreement reached within the APC structure.
“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 said.
Reacting to online narratives suggesting he was indebted to supporters after the failed bid, he dismissed such claims as false and misleading.
“I am not indebted to anybody over my aspiration. The aspiration was entirely mine, driven by my personal conviction and desire to serve,” he said.
He added that he had no regrets about his political engagement, noting that it helped raise awareness in his constituency.
“I have absolutely no regret whatsoever in raising the political stakes and consciousness in my constituency ahead of the primaries,” he stated.
His earlier reported loss had attracted public attention, including a message of encouragement from Seyi Tinubu, who advised him to remain optimistic despite the setback.
Cubana Chief Priest reaffirmed his loyalty to the APC, stressing that he would continue to support the party and President Bola Tinubu 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 concluded.
