Nigerian socialite and businessman Pascal Okechukwu has clarified that he did not participate in the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for the Orsu/Orlu/Oru East Federal Constituency seat in Imo State.
The nightlife entrepreneur, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, made the clarification through a series of Instagram story posts on Sunday, insisting that he stepped down from the race after discussions with Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma over the party’s zoning arrangement.
His statement comes days after a viral video showed him expressing disappointment over the outcome of the primary, where he claimed only 14 delegates voted for him.
According to him, the APC leadership explained that the federal constituency seat was expected to remain in Orlu Local Government Area based on the party’s zoning formula.
“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.
Cubana Chief Priest noted that despite his respect for the zoning arrangement, his decision to seek office was motivated by 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.
The businessman maintained that after the party reached its internal decision, he withdrew completely from the process and returned to Lagos before the primaries took place.
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“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 said.
He also disclosed that he was informed about the party’s position in the early hours before the primary election.
“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.
Cubana Chief Priest dismissed online discussions suggesting he was embarrassed by the outcome of the election, describing the reactions as unnecessary propaganda.
“It is laughable that some misguided elements are attempting to use my name for unnecessary trending and online propaganda,” he wrote.
Reacting to rumours that he owed supporters money following the failed political bid, the celebrity businessman 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 said.
He further stated that he had no regrets about entering the race, noting that it helped increase political awareness in the constituency ahead of the 2027 elections.
After the primary, Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, publicly encouraged him on social media, writing: “Bro, sometimes by losing a battle, you find a new way to win the war.”
Cubana Chief Priest ended his statement by reaffirming his loyalty to the APC and pledging continued support for President Tinubu’s re-election campaign through the City Boy Movement.