Socialite Fails To Secure Party Ticket As Incumbent Lawmaker Wins APC Contest
Popular Nigerian socialite and businessman, Pascal Okechukwu, widely known as Cubana Chief Priest, has lost the All Progressives Congress primary election for the House of Representatives seat in Imo State.
Cubana Chief Priest had contested for the APC ticket to represent the Orsu/Orlu/Oru East Federal Constituency in the 2027 general elections but was defeated by the incumbent lawmaker, Canice Moore Nwachukwu.
Nwachukwu, who is currently serving his second term in the House of Representatives, emerged winner of the party’s primary election, securing the APC ticket ahead of the next general election.
The celebrity businessman officially declared his political ambition in April 2026 after purchasing the APC expression of interest and nomination forms, a move that generated widespread reactions across social media and political circles.
Before entering the race, Cubana Chief Priest had remained openly supportive of President Bola Tinubu and the ruling APC, frequently expressing his loyalty to the government and participating in party-related activities.
The socialite also previously served as an aide to Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, strengthening speculations about his growing political ambitions within the state.
Ahead of the primary election, Governor Uzodinma reportedly met with aspirants contesting various positions but declined to publicly endorse any candidate.
Instead, the governor advised all aspirants to return to their constituencies and prove their popularity among party members and grassroots supporters.
Despite his popularity on social media and within entertainment circles, Cubana Chief Priest was unable to secure enough support to defeat the sitting lawmaker during the APC primary.
The businessman had also been appointed as the Imo State Director of the City Boy Movement, a youth-focused political support group backing President Tinubu’s re-election campaign.
