Popular businessman Pascal Okechukwu, widely known as Cubana Chief Priest, has clarified that he did not participate in the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for the Orsu/Orlu/Oru East Federal Constituency seat in Imo State, insisting he had already withdrawn from the race before the exercise took place.
In a series of posts shared on Instagram on Sunday, Okechukwu distanced himself from reports claiming he contested and lost the primary to incumbent lawmaker Canice Nwachukwu. He said the narrative circulating online was misleading and not a true reflection of events.
His clarification comes after an earlier video in which he expressed disappointment over the outcome, suggesting he had secured 14 votes and blaming community elders for what he described as misplaced trust.
According to him, his withdrawal followed consultations with Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, who explained the APC zoning arrangement for the constituency. Okechukwu said the governor noted that Orlu Local Government Area was still entitled to complete its tenure allocation before the seat rotates elsewhere.
He added that his decision to contest was initially driven by concerns about representation in the constituency, saying he believed the sitting lawmaker was not meeting the expectations of the people.
However, he maintained that once the zoning arrangement was clarified, he stepped aside immediately and did not take part in the primary election.
“In respect for the party and its leadership, I chose not to proceed to the field,” he said, insisting he was not present at the venue of the primary and returned to Lagos after withdrawing.
He further dismissed online claims suggesting internal disputes or financial obligations to supporters, describing them as false and misleading narratives meant to generate controversy.
Okechukwu reaffirmed his loyalty to the APC and expressed continued support for President Bola Tinubu, saying he remains committed to the party through his City Boy Movement initiative.
Cubana Chief Priest denies contesting APC Reps primary election entirely
