Celebrity businessman Pascal Okechukwu, widely known as Cubana Chief Priest, has denied reports that he participated in the All Progressives Congress primary election for the Orsu/Orlu/Oru East Federal Constituency seat in Imo State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He made this known on Sunday through a series of posts shared on his Instagram page, where he explained that he had already stepped down from the race before the primary election was conducted.
According to Okechukwu, his decision came after discussions with Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, who explained the party’s zoning arrangement for the constituency. He said the governor informed him that it was not yet the turn of his local government area to produce the federal lawmaker because another area was expected to complete its tenure before power rotation could take place.
The socialite explained that he respected the party’s internal agreement and leadership decision, which made him withdraw completely from the contest. He said he never appeared at the venue where the primary election took place and had already returned to Lagos after receiving information about the party’s final position.
His latest statement came shortly after an earlier video circulated online where he appeared disappointed about the outcome of the APC primary election. In the video, he lamented that only a few delegates supported him and said trusting some political elders became his biggest mistake during the process. The development led many people on social media to believe he took part in the election and lost to the incumbent lawmaker, Canice Nwachukwu.
Okechukwu, however, insisted that the online reactions and claims about his participation were false. He described the reports as an attempt by some individuals to create unnecessary controversy around his name. He also denied rumours that he owed supporters money because of the failed political ambition, maintaining that his interest in the race was personal and not funded by others.
The businessman stated that his interest in contesting for the seat came from his belief that the constituency deserved better representation. He added that he wanted to contribute to the development of the area and improve the welfare of the people through quality leadership.
Despite withdrawing from the race, Okechukwu said he remains loyal to the APC and will continue supporting the party ahead of the 2027 elections. He also pledged support for President Bola Tinubu’s second-term ambition through his political support group known as the City Boy Movement.
The controversy around his withdrawal gained more attention after Seyi Tinubu, son of the President, publicly encouraged him following reports of his defeat at the APC primary election.
The message further fueled discussions online before Okechukwu later released a fresh clarification about his role in the contest.