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Celebrity businessman and socialite Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, has denied participating in the All Progressives Congress primary election for the Orsu/Orlu/Oru East Federal Constituency seat in Imo State, insisting he voluntarily withdrew from the race before the exercise took place. 
In a series of Instagram posts shared on Sunday, the nightlife entrepreneur explained that he stepped down after consultations with Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma regarding the APC’s zoning arrangement. According to him, the governor argued that Orlu Local Government Area should complete at least two terms holding the seat before it rotates to another area. Cubana Chief Priest said he respected the party’s decision and stayed away from the primary venue entirely. 
His latest explanation contradicts an earlier viral video in which he appeared disappointed after reportedly polling only 14 votes in the primary election won by incumbent lawmaker Canice Nwachukwu. In that video, he said his only regret was “trusting the elders in the community.” 
Clarifying his position, Cubana Chief Priest insisted no one could claim to have seen him at the venue because he had already returned to Lagos once the party communicated its decision. He also dismissed social media discussions suggesting he was abandoned politically or financially indebted because of the failed ambition, describing the narratives as “online propaganda.” 
Despite the controversy, he reaffirmed his loyalty to the APC and pledged continued support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the party ahead of the 2027 elections through the City Boy Movement, where he currently serves as the Imo State coordinator. 
