Socialite and businessman Pascal Okechukwu, widely known as Cubana Chief Priest, was a central figure in the recent All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives primary election for the Orsu/Orlu/Oru East Federal Constituency of Imo State, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Reports initially circulated that the nightlife entrepreneur had lost the ruling party’s ticket to the incumbent lawmaker, Hon. Canice More Nwachukwu.

Reacting to these reports, Okechukwu issued a statement via his Instagram handle, asserting that he had voluntarily withdrawn from the primary election before voting commenced.

He stated that his decision to stay away from the primary venue was a direct result of official zoning consultations held with the leader of the party in the state, Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma.

According to Cubana Chief Priest, Governor Uzodimma outlined the party’s stance on the legislative seat, emphasizing the importance of allowing Orlu Local Government Area to complete a second term to ensure equitable power rotation within the federal constituency.

Okechukwu reiterated his commitment as a "loyal party man and committed progressive," confirming that after the party leadership adopted its definitive zoning format and indicated its preference for the incumbent, he chose to respect this internal understanding and returned to Lagos.

However, despite Cubana Chief Priest's assertion of a voluntary withdrawal, other reports detailed his participation and subsequent defeat. According to these accounts, he contested the APC ticket but lost to Canice Nwachukwu, having polled 14 votes in the primary election. This outcome generated significant discussion and reactions.

In response to this defeat, Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, sent a message of encouragement to Cubana Chief Priest via Instagram.

Tinubu advised him not to be discouraged by the outcome, suggesting that setbacks could still pave the way for future success. Cubana Chief Priest himself also reacted in a circulating video, stating he had no regrets about contesting the election.

Nevertheless, he expressed disappointment over the low number of votes he received and openly questioned the role of party stakeholders in the entire process. The APC primary result continues to spark varied reactions on social media, reflecting divided opinions on the outcome.