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Celebrity businessman Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, has denied taking part in the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for the Orsu/Orlu/Oru East Federal Constituency seat in Imo State.
In a series of posts shared on his Instagram story on Sunday, the socialite claimed he voluntarily stepped away from the race after Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma explained the party’s zoning arrangement to him.
His latest statement appeared to contradict an earlier video where he lamented receiving only 14 votes at the primary and said his mistake was “trusting the elders in the community.”
Cubana Chief Priest had declared interest in contesting for the APC ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections but eventually lost to the incumbent lawmaker, Canice Nwachukwu.
Describing himself as “a loyal party man and committed progressive,” he explained that discussions with Governor Uzodimma helped him understand why the seat was expected to remain in Orlu Local Government Area for another term before rotation.
“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.
According to him, his political ambition was motivated by concerns over the performance of the current representative.
“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.
Cubana Chief Priest further claimed that once the party adopted its zoning arrangement and directed aspirants to test their popularity at the primaries, he completely withdrew 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 wrote.
He added that the party’s decision was communicated to him before the primary election took place.
“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.
The socialite also dismissed reactions on social media surrounding the election, describing them as attempts to create unnecessary controversy.
“It is laughable that some misguided elements are attempting to use my name for unnecessary trending and online propaganda,” he wrote.
Addressing claims that he owed supporters money following the failed political bid, Cubana Chief Priest denied being indebted to 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 added that he had no regrets about contesting, saying the process helped increase political awareness in his constituency.
Following the outcome of the primary, Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, publicly encouraged him with a message on Instagram.
“Bro, sometimes by losing a battle, you find a new way to win the war,” Seyi wrote.
Cubana Chief Priest concluded by reaffirming his loyalty to the APC and promising to continue supporting President Tinubu’s re-election campaign through the City Boy Movement.
“The APC remains my party, today and always. I remain loyal and committed to the ideals and leadership of our great party,” he added.
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#ImoState
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