Cubana Chief Priest Steps Down Before APC Primary, Declines to Participate

Pascal Okechukwu, a well‑known businessman known as Cubana Chief Priest, has stated that he did not contest the APC primary for the Orsu/Orlu/Oru East Federal Constituency seat in Imo State.

He explained that he withdrew voluntarily after Governor Hope Uzodimma outlined the party’s zoning policy, and that he never appeared at the primary.

The clarification was posted on Instagram on Sunday, following earlier reports that he had taken part and received only 14 votes, a claim he denies.

Calling himself a “loyal party man and committed progressive,” he said his discussions with the governor made him respect the zoning rule that requires Orlu Local Government Area to serve at least two terms before the seat rotates.

“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.

He said his original motivation was to address the performance of incumbent lawmaker Canice Nwachukwu, but he withdrew once the party made an internal decision.

“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 party’s position was communicated to him in the early hours of Saturday, ahead of the primary, prompting his complete withdrawal.

Dismissing the controversy surrounding the exercise, Okechukwu described reports of his participation as “coordinated mischief” aimed at generating unnecessary online attention.

“It is laughable that some misguided elements are attempting to use my name for unnecessary trending and online propaganda,” he said.

He also refuted claims of financial obligations to supporters, insisting that his political aspiration was entirely self‑driven.

“I am not indebted to anybody over my aspiration. It was driven by my personal conviction and desire to serve,” he added.

Despite the episode, Okechukwu reaffirmed his loyalty to the APC and pledged continued support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu 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.

The post I stepped down before APC primary, did not participate – Cubana Chief Priest appeared first on Vanguard News.