Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, has clarified that he voluntarily withdrew from the race for the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives ticket in Imo State and did not participate in the party’s primary election.
Okechukwu made the clarification through a series of posts on Instagram on Sunday, dismissing reports that he contested in the primary and secured only 14 votes. He described such claims as false and insisted he never made it to the election venue.
Describing himself as a loyal member of the APC and a committed progressive, Okechukwu explained that his decision to step down followed consultations with Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, who informed him about the party’s zoning arrangement.
According to him, the zoning formula favours Orlu Local Government Area to complete at least two terms before the seat rotates to another area.
He explained that Governor Uzodimma pointed out that it was not yet the turn of his local government area to occupy the position, especially considering that his elder brother, Asiwaju Jerry Alagboso, had previously represented the constituency in the House of Representatives for three terms.
Okechukwu stated that although his initial interest in the race stemmed from concerns about the performance of the current lawmaker representing the constituency, Canice Nwachukwu, he chose to respect the party’s decision once a consensus was reached internally.
He said he did not proceed with the process out of respect for the leadership and decisions of the party.
“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 revealed that he was informed of the party’s position in the early hours of Saturday before the primary election, prompting him to immediately withdraw from the race.
Reacting to the reports surrounding his alleged participation, Okechukwu described them as deliberate attempts to stir controversy and attract unnecessary social media attention.
He described the claims as coordinated misinformation designed to create online propaganda using his name.
The socialite also dismissed allegations suggesting he owed financial commitments to supporters or individuals connected to his political ambition. He maintained that his aspiration was based solely on personal conviction and a desire to serve the people.
“I am not indebted to anybody over my aspiration. It was driven by my personal conviction and desire to serve,” he added.
Despite the development, Okechukwu reaffirmed his loyalty to the APC and expressed continued support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He emphasized that his commitment to the ruling party remains unchanged, stating that the APC remains his political home and that he remains dedicated to its ideals and leadership.
Cubana Chief Priest Clarifies Withdrawal From APC Reps Race, Denies Participating in Primary
