I never contested APC primaries — Cubana Chief

Celebrity businessman Pascal Okechukwu has denied participating in the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries election for the Orsu/Orlu/Oru East Federal Constituency seat in Imo State.

Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, said he voluntarily stepped down from the race after consultations with Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, who reportedly explained the party’s zoning arrangement to him.

He made the clarification in a series of Instagram posts on Sunday, where he insisted that he never took part in the primary election and was not present at the venue.

His comments contrast with an earlier viral video in which he lamented his experience in the contest, saying his only regret was trusting community elders and claiming he received only 14 votes at the primary.

Okechukwu had been seeking the APC ticket for the federal constituency ahead of the 2027 general elections but ultimately lost to incumbent lawmaker Canice Nwachukwu.

According to him, Governor Uzodimma explained that the seat was not yet zoned to his local government area, noting that Orlu Local Government Area was expected to complete its agreed political rotation.

He said the governor referenced existing arrangements within the party and past representation from the area, which influenced his decision to step aside.

“I made my intentions clear that my interest was driven by concerns about representation, but I respected the party’s position,” he said.

Okechukwu added that once the zoning decision was communicated, he immediately withdrew from the process and returned to Lagos.

“In respect for the party leadership, I did not proceed to the field. I never participated in the primaries,” he stated.

He dismissed online narratives suggesting financial disputes or debts related to his political ambition, insisting he owed no one and acted purely out of personal conviction.

He also described criticism circulating on social media as “misleading propaganda” aimed at misrepresenting his political involvement.

Despite the controversy, Okechukwu maintained that his political ambition was sincere and aimed at improving representation in his constituency.

He reaffirmed his loyalty to the APC and pledged continued support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections through his City Boy Movement.