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 a series of Instagram story posts on Sunday, Okechukwu stated that he voluntarily withdrew from the race after Governor Hope Uzodimma briefed him on the party’s zoning position.
According to Okechukwu, the governor explained that Orlu Local Government Area should complete at least two terms before the seat rotates to another area. He noted that his elder brother, Asiwaju Jerry Alagboso, had previously represented the constituency for three terms.
“He made the argument that it was not the turn of my Local Government Area to occupy the seat at this time,” Okechukwu wrote.
The businessman, who described himself as “a loyal party man and committed progressive,” said his decision to step down was made in full respect for the party’s leadership and internal arrangements. He added that the party’s position was communicated to him in the early hours of Saturday, before the primary took place, prompting him to stay away entirely.
“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.
Okechukwu’s latest position contradicts an earlier video that surfaced after the primary, in which he expressed regret over “trusting the elders in the community” and claimed that only 14 people voted for him.
He was seeking the APC ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections but lost to the incumbent lawmaker, Canice Nwachukwu.
The socialite explained that his initial aspiration stemmed from concerns about the performance of the current representative. “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 said.
Okechukwu dismissed widespread social media commentary on the matter as “coordinated mischief” and “laughable” attempts to use his name for online propaganda. He firmly denied owing any financial debts to supporters, stressing that the aspiration was entirely his personal conviction.
“I am not indebted to anybody over my aspiration,” he declared, adding that he had “absolutely no regret whatsoever in raising the political stakes and consciousness” in the constituency.
His reported defeat had earlier attracted attention, including a public message of encouragement from Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, who posted on Instagram: “Bro, sometimes by losing a battle, you find a new way to win the war.”
In his closing remarks, Okechukwu reaffirmed his commitment to the APC and pledged to continue mobilising support for President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 through his City Boy Movement.
“The APC remains my party, today and always. I remain loyal and committed to the ideals and leadership of our great party,” he wrote.
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