Celebrity businessman 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 withdrew from the race in line with the party’s zoning arrangement.
In a series of Instagram posts on Sunday, Okechukwu said he stepped down after consultations with Governor Hope Uzodimma, who explained the party’s position on zoning and rotation of the constituency seat.
His clarification comes after an earlier viral video in which he claimed his only regret was “trusting the elders in the community” and alleged that only 14 delegates voted for him at the primary.
Okechukwu had sought the APC ticket for the Orsu/Orlu/Oru East Federal Constituency ahead of the 2027 general elections, where he ultimately lost to the incumbent lawmaker, Canice Nwachukwu.
Describing himself as “a loyal party man and committed progressive,” he said his discussions with Uzodimma helped him understand and respect the party’s zoning formula, which stipulates that Orlu Local Government Area should complete at least two terms before the seat rotates.
He said the governor noted that the position was not yet due for his local government, particularly given that his “elder brother, Asiwaju Jerry Alagboso,” had previously served three terms in the House.
Okechukwu maintained that his interest in the seat was driven by concern over 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 wrote.
He added that once the party formally adopted its zoning arrangement and instructed aspirants to proceed to the field, he chose to withdraw completely.
“In respect for the party and its leadership, I chose not to proceed to the field. I never participated. Nobody saw me at the primary venue,” he stated.
He said the decision to step aside was communicated to him early on Saturday morning, before the primary election took place, and that he complied fully with the directive.
Okechukwu also dismissed online speculation surrounding his withdrawal, describing it as “mischief” aimed at generating unnecessary controversy.
He rejected claims that he owed supporters money over the failed political bid, insisting he funded his aspiration personally and owed no one.
“I am not indebted to anybody over my aspiration. It was entirely mine, driven by personal conviction and desire to serve,” he said, adding that he had “no regret whatsoever” about raising political awareness in his constituency.
His defeat had earlier attracted public attention, including a message of encouragement from Seyi Tinubu, who wrote on Instagram: “Bro, sometimes by losing a battle, you find a new way to win the war.”
Reaffirming his political stance, Okechukwu pledged continued loyalty to the All Progressives Congress and said he would remain active in mobilising support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections through his City Boy Movement.
