Nigerian nightlife entrepreneur Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, recently found himself at the center of a heated political storyline after reports emerged that he had lost the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives primary election for the Orlu/Orsu/Oru East federal constituency in Imo State. The development, which unfolded ahead of the 2027 general elections, quickly became one of the most talked-about political stories in Imo State, drawing reactions from fans, political observers, and even members of the presidential family.
What began as a bold entry into partisan politics by one of Nigeria’s most recognizable nightlife figures ended in a mix of confusion, denial, and public clarification. Below is a detailed look at everything that happened, why it happened, and what it means going forward.
How Cubana Chief Priest Entered the Political Race
Cubana Chief Priest, who also serves as the Imo State Coordinator of the City Boys Movement, formally signaled his political ambition by purchasing the APC expression of interest and nomination forms for the Orlu/Orsu/Oru East federal constituency seat.
His decision generated significant buzz across Imo State and on social media. Supporters pointed to his business success, his philanthropic activities, and his massive following among young Nigerians as reasons he could bring a fresh perspective to the National Assembly. For many, his entry represented an unconventional shift, a celebrity businessman stepping directly from the entertainment and nightlife scene into formal party politics.
The Primary Election and the Reported Outcome
The APC primary election for the Orlu/Orsu/Oru East federal constituency was held on a Saturday as part of the party’s broader nationwide process to select candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections. When results were announced, reports circulated widely that Cubana Chief Priest had lost to the sitting lawmaker, Canice Moore Nwachukwu, who is currently in his second term representing the constituency.
Various reports claimed the businessman secured only a small number of votes in the contest, a detail that quickly went viral and sparked intense conversation online. The narrative that a hugely popular social media personality could underperform so significantly at the grassroots level became a talking point about the difference between online popularity and actual political structure and delegate loyalty.
Cubana Chief Priest’s Response and Clarification
In the days following the primary, Cubana Chief Priest addressed the situation directly through a series of statements shared on his Instagram page. His explanation offered a different version of events from what had been widely reported.
According to him, his political journey was shaped by direct engagement with party leadership before the primary even took place. He revealed that he held consultations with Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, who explained the party’s internal zoning arrangement for the federal constituency. Based on this arrangement, the governor reportedly informed him that it was not yet the turn of his local government area to produce the federal lawmaker for that seat, since the party wanted the sitting representative to complete an additional term before rotating the position to another local government area within the constituency.
He further noted that his elder brother had previously represented the area in the House of Representatives for multiple terms, a factor that appeared to influence the zoning conversation. After hearing the party leadership’s position, Cubana Chief Priest stated that he chose to respect the decision and stayed away from the primary election venue entirely, rather than actively participating and losing.
This account differed from an earlier emotional video he had shared, in which he expressed disappointment about the outcome of the process and mentioned trusting community elders. The apparent inconsistency between his initial reaction and his later clarification fueled further public debate about what truly happened on the day of the primary.
Reactions From Political and Public Figures
The story attracted attention beyond Imo State politics. Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, publicly reached out to Cubana Chief Priest with words of encouragement following the primary’s outcome, framing the setback as a potential stepping stone rather than a final defeat. Cubana Chief Priest shared the message on his own page, which further amplified public interest in the story.
Throughout the episode, Cubana Chief Priest maintained that his loyalty to the APC and to President Tinubu’s administration remained unshaken. He publicly reaffirmed his support for the president’s re-election ambitions in 2027, distancing the primary controversy from any suggestion of political disloyalty or dissatisfaction with the party.
What This Means for Imo State Politics
Political analysts have pointed to the outcome as a reminder that celebrity status and online visibility do not automatically translate into electoral or party-structure success. The Orlu/Orsu/Oru East federal constituency is considered politically significant, partly because it falls within the broader area associated with the state’s ruling political structure. Analysts note that established networks, delegate relationships, and internal party loyalty often carry more weight in primary contests than public popularity alone.
For the incumbent lawmaker, the outcome signals continuity, meaning existing legislative priorities and constituency projects are expected to continue under familiar leadership as the 2027 election cycle approaches.
For Cubana Chief Priest, the episode marks his first visible attempt at formal politics, and regardless of the surrounding controversy, it has placed his name firmly within Imo State’s political conversation heading into future election cycles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Cubana Chief Priest? Cubana Chief Priest, whose real name is Pascal Okechukwu, is a well-known Nigerian nightlife entrepreneur and socialite. He also serves as the Imo State Coordinator of the City Boys Movement.
2. What seat was Cubana Chief Priest running for? He sought the APC nomination for the House of Representatives seat covering the Orlu/Orsu/Oru East federal constituency in Imo State.
3. Did Cubana Chief Priest actually lose the primary election? Reports initially claimed he lost to incumbent lawmaker Canice Moore Nwachukwu. However, Cubana Chief Priest later stated that he withdrew from the race before the primary was held and did not fully participate in the voting process.
4. Why did Cubana Chief Priest step back from the race? He explained that after consultations with Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, he was informed about the party’s zoning arrangement, which favored allowing the sitting lawmaker to complete another term before the seat rotates to a different local government area.
5. Who won the APC primary for the constituency? Incumbent lawmaker Canice Moore Nwachukwu was confirmed as the winner, allowing him to seek re-election for the seat in the 2027 general elections.
6. Is Cubana Chief Priest still involved with the APC? Yes. He publicly reaffirmed his loyalty to the APC and to President Bola Tinubu, stating that his commitment to the party and its leadership remains firm despite the primary election controversy.
7. What happens next for Cubana Chief Priest’s political ambitions? While no official statement has confirmed future plans, his public remarks suggest he remains politically engaged and may continue pursuing opportunities within the APC structure in subsequent election cycles.