I stepped down before APC primary, did not participate – Cubana Chief Priest

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.

Okechukwu said he voluntarily withdrew from the race after Hope Uzodimma presented the party’s zoning arrangement to him, stressing that he never proceeded to the primary election.

His clarification, made in a series of Instagram posts on Sunday, comes amid earlier claims suggesting he participated and polled just 14 votes — a narrative he now firmly rejects.

Describing himself as “a loyal party man and committed progressive,” he explained that his consultations with the governor led him to respect the party’s zoning formula, which favours Orlu Local Government Area to complete 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 said.

Okechukwu maintained that his initial ambition was driven by concern over the performance of the current lawmaker, Canice Nwachukwu, but added that he stepped down once the party reached an internal decision.

“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 stated.

He further disclosed that the party’s position was communicated to him in the early hours of Saturday, ahead of the primary, prompting his complete withdrawal.

Dismissing the controversy surrounding the exercise, Okechukwu described reports of his participation as “coordinated mischief” aimed at generating unnecessary online attention.

“It is laughable that some misguided elements are attempting to use my name for unnecessary trending and online propaganda,” he said.

He also refuted claims of financial obligations to supporters, insisting that his political aspiration was entirely self-driven.

“I am not indebted to anybody over my aspiration. It was driven by my personal conviction and desire to serve,” he added.

Despite the episode, Okechukwu reaffirmed his loyalty to the APC and pledged continued support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“The APC remains my party, today and always. I remain loyal and committed to the ideals and leadership of our great party,” he said.

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