By Godwin Akomah, Umuahia
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.
The socialite said he voluntarily stepped down from the race after Governor Hope Uzodimma explained the party’s zoning arrangement to him ahead of the exercise.
His latest claim, made through a series of Instagram story posts on Sunday, contradicts an earlier video in which he lamented that only 14 delegates voted for him and expressed regret over “trusting the elders in the community.”
Okechukwu had declared interest in securing the APC ticket for the Orsu/Orlu/Oru East Federal Constituency 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,” the businessman said consultations with Uzodimma helped him understand the need to respect the party’s zoning formula, which favours Orlu Local Government Area completing at least two terms before the seat rotates.
“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 ambition was inspired by dissatisfaction with the current 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.
Okechukwu maintained that once the party adopted the zoning arrangement and directed preferred aspirants to proceed, he chose to withdraw completely.
“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 further disclosed that the party’s position was communicated to him in the early hours of Saturday 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.
The businessman also dismissed online discussions surrounding the primary as deliberate attempts to stir controversy.
“It is laughable that some misguided elements are attempting to use my name for unnecessary trending and online propaganda,” he said.
Reacting to allegations that he owed supporters financially following the failed bid, Okechukwu 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.
Despite the controversy, he insisted he had no regrets about joining the race, saying it helped raise political awareness in the constituency.
His defeat had attracted reactions on social media, including a message from Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, who encouraged him by writing: “Bro, sometimes by losing a battle, you find a new way to win the war.”
Reaffirming his commitment to the APC, Okechukwu pledged to continue mobilising support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election through his City Boy Movement ahead of 2027.
“The APC remains my party, today and always. I remain loyal and committed to the ideals and leadership of our great party,” he wrote.
