Popular businessman and socialite, Pascal Okechukwu, widely known as Cubana Chief Priest, has lost his bid to secure the All Progressives Congress ticket for the Orlu/Orsu/Oru East Federal Constituency seat in Imo State NEGROIDHAVEN has garnered.
Okechukwu was defeated by the incumbent lawmaker, Hon. Canice Chukwugozie, popularly called Omeogo, during the APC primary election held on Saturday.
The development has stirred reactions within political circles and on social media, with many describing the outcome as a reflection of the growing difficulty celebrities face in translating popularity and influence into electoral success.
Cubana Chief Priest had formally joined the race in April after purchasing the APC expression of interest and nomination forms, declaring his intention to represent the constituency in the House of Representatives.
The nightlife entrepreneur had campaigned on promises of improved security, youth empowerment and educational development, citing insecurity in the area which, according to him, prevented him from visiting his hometown for several years.
He also leveraged his position as South-East Coordinator of the City Boys Movement and publicly pledged support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections.
As part of his consultations, he presented his nomination forms to Seyi Tinubu, son of the President, whom he described as a patron of the movement.
However, party insiders said the primary election favoured the incumbent lawmaker, who enjoys stronger grassroots structures and deeper influence within the APC in the constituency.
Political observers noted that the outcome reinforced the importance of party loyalty, political experience and constituency networks in local electoral contests.
Nwachukwu, who has represented the constituency since 2019 and currently chairs the House Committee on Inter-Governmental Affairs, is expected to seek re-election in 2027 on the platform of the APC.
Cubana Chief Priest has yet to publicly react to the outcome of the primary election.
