Celebrity businessman Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, has lost his bid to secure the All Progressives Congress ticket for the Orsu/Orlu/Oru East Federal Constituency in Imo State.
The nightlife promoter and Imo State Coordinator of the City Boys Movement contested the APC primary election held on Saturday, May 16, 2026, as part of the party’s preparations for the 2027 general elections. He was defeated by incumbent lawmaker Canice More Nwachukwu, who is serving his second term in the House of Representatives.
Cubana Chief Priest formally declared his political ambition in late April 2026 after purchasing the APC’s expression of interest and nomination forms. He had described his ambition as part of efforts to contribute to youth empowerment and grassroots development in the region.
The result has sparked widespread reactions on social media, with users sharing mixed views on celebrity involvement in politics. Reacting to the outcome, Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Delta State Governor, Ossai Ovie Success, wrote on Facebook, “Why are people mocking Cubana Chief Priest? Not nice… it’s ok to try and try again. He lost an election and so what? I am disappointed.”
Another user, @Empires_untold, described the defeat as a political reality check, writing, “South-East City Boy movement just met ballot box reality. In politics, support is proven at the ballot not on timelines or headlines.”
Cubana Chief Priest had been vocal about his support for the current government and the ruling party. He was appointed Imo State director of the City Boy Movement, a youth-oriented support group for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election campaign, and had pledged to deliver eight million votes for Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
His loss marks a significant moment in the unfolding political contest in Imo State, where several aspirants are competing for party tickets ahead of the general elections. Political observers say zoning arrangements within Imo APC may have influenced the outcome of the primary.
Despite the setback, some commenters noted that political growth often comes with setbacks and experience, and that losing a primary election is part of the democratic process.
