“I Didn’t Lose, I Withdrew” — Cubana Chiefpriest Breaks Silence on Imo APC Primaries

Popular nightlife entrepreneur and socialite, Paschal Chibuike Okechukwu popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, has reacted to reports surrounding his failed bid to contest for the House of Representatives seat under the All Progressives Congress in Imo State, insisting that he never participated in the party primaries.

In a lengthy statement released after the APC primaries in Imo State, Cubana Chiefpriest explained that he stepped aside following consultations with the leader of the party in the state and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma.

According to him, the governor presented the party’s zoning arrangement within the federal constituency, arguing that Orlu Local Government Area should be allowed to complete at least two terms before the position moves to another local government.

He noted that the governor also referenced the previous representation of his own local government area by former lawmaker, Asiwaju Jerry Alagboso, who had already served three terms in the House of Representatives.

The celebrity businessman said he respected the party’s position despite his personal conviction that the current occupant of the seat was not meeting the expectations of the people.

He maintained that his aspiration was driven by a genuine desire to serve his constituency and raise political consciousness among the people.

“At the end of the consultations, the party adopted its zoning arrangement and selected preferred aspirants, asking them to proceed to the field. In respect for the party and its leadership, I chose not to proceed to the field, and indeed, I never did,” he stated.

Cubana Chiefpriest further dismissed claims and online reports suggesting he lost at the primaries, stressing that he was not present at any primary election venue and had returned to Lagos immediately after the party communicated its decision to him.

“Nobody will say they saw me anywhere around the primaries venue. In fact, I did not participate,” he said, describing attempts to drag his name into controversies surrounding the primaries as “laughable” and the handiwork of “misguided elements.”

He also expressed disappointment that some individuals had allegedly joined in spreading misinformation and online propaganda concerning his political ambition.

The socialite, however, insisted that he harbored no regrets over his political movement, saying it succeeded in generating awareness, participation, and support across the constituency.

Reaffirming his loyalty to the APC, Cubana Chiefpriest declared his continued commitment to the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027 and vowed to intensify mobilization efforts in support of the Renewed Hope agenda.

He also urged members of his “City Boy Movement” and supporters to remain calm, loyal, and committed to the APC, promising to unveil more grassroots political activities in the coming days.

“The APC remains my party, today and always. I remain loyal and committed to the ideals and leadership of our great party,” he added.