ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Celebrity businessman and socialite, Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, has dismissed reports claiming he participated in the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for the Orsu/Orlu/Oru East Federal Constituency seat in Imo State.
According to Okechukwu, he clarified that he withdrew from the race before the primary election took place and never participated in the exercise.
The nightlife entrepreneur made the clarification through a series of posts shared on his Instagram page on Sunday, following reports alleging that he contested in the primary and scored only 14 votes.
According to him, the reports were false and failed to reflect the internal discussions that led to his withdrawal from the contest.
He explained that after consultations with Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, he accepted the APC zoning arrangement and decided to step down from the race.
Okechukwu stated that the governor explained that it was not yet the turn of his local government area to occupy the seat, especially considering that his elder brother, Asiwaju Jerry Alagboso, had previously represented the constituency in the House of Representatives 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, especially considering that my elder brother, Asiwaju Jerry Alagboso, had previously served three terms in the House,” he said.
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The businessman noted that his initial interest in the race was motivated by dissatisfaction with the performance of the current lawmaker representing the constituency, Canice Nwachukwu, but added that he respected the party’s internal decision once it was communicated to him.
“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 decision of the party leadership was conveyed to him in the early hours of Saturday, ahead of the primary election, prompting his immediate withdrawal from the contest.
Okechukwu described reports linking him to the outcome of the primary as deliberate attempts to create unnecessary controversy online.
“It is laughable that some misguided elements are attempting to use my name for unnecessary trending and online propaganda,” he said.
The socialite also denied claims that he owed financial obligations to supporters over the aborted political ambition, insisting that his aspiration was personal and self-sponsored.
“I am not indebted to anybody over my aspiration. It was driven by my personal conviction and desire to serve,” he added.
Despite stepping down from the race, Okechukwu reaffirmed his loyalty to the APC and pledged continued support for President Bola Tinubu and the ruling party 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.