Popular nightlife entrepreneur and South-East City Boy Movement Coordinator, Pascal Okechukwu, widely known as Cubana Chief Priest, has suffered a major political setback after losing the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for the House of Representatives seat representing Orsu, Orlu and Oru East Federal Constituency of Imo State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The celebrity businessman, who recently declared his intention to fully venture into active politics, failed to secure the APC ticket during the party’s primary election held on Saturday. Reports indicate that the incumbent lawmaker, Canice Moore Nwachukwu, emerged victorious in the keenly contested exercise.
Cubana Chief Priest’s political ambition had generated massive conversations across Nigeria, especially on social media, following his high-profile entry into partisan politics under the APC platform. The socialite had earlier purchased the party’s nomination and expression of interest forms, describing his ambition as part of his commitment to youth empowerment, grassroots development, and representation for the people of his constituency.
His emergence into the political scene was seen by many as another sign of increasing celebrity participation in Nigerian politics. Supporters pointed to his influence, philanthropy, and strong connection with youths as factors that could work in his favour. However, critics questioned whether popularity in entertainment and nightlife could automatically translate into political success at the grassroots level.
Despite the hype surrounding his candidacy, the APC primary election proved to be a tough political test, with party delegates reportedly favouring experience and existing political structures over celebrity influence. Political observers believe the outcome once again highlights the importance of grassroots political networking, party loyalty, and long-term structure building within Nigerian politics.
Cubana Chief Priest had in recent months become one of the visible supporters of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC administration. His appointment and activities as South-East Coordinator of the City Boy Movement also boosted his political visibility within the ruling party.
Following the announcement of the primary election result, reactions flooded social media platforms, with many Nigerians sharing mixed opinions over the development. While some sympathized with the businessman and encouraged him not to give up on his political ambition, others described the defeat as a “reality check” about the complexities of Nigerian politics beyond online popularity.
Meanwhile, the APC primary elections across different states in Nigeria have continued to produce dramatic outcomes, surprises, and controversies as the party intensifies preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In Kaduna State, tension reportedly erupted during the APC House of Representatives primary election in Igabi Local Government Area after angry youths allegedly confronted party officials over the conduct of the exercise. Reports revealed that the situation became chaotic as disagreements emerged over the outcome of the primary.
Political analysts say the growing intensity surrounding APC primaries nationwide reflects the fierce battle for party tickets, especially as many politicians see the ruling party as a strategic platform ahead of the next election cycle.
For Cubana Chief Priest, although the outcome may be disappointing, many of his supporters believe this could simply be the beginning of his political journey rather than the end. Several political commentators have noted that building a successful political career in Nigeria often requires years of grassroots engagement, strategic alliances, and sustained participation in party activities.
As the dust settles on the APC primaries, attention will now shift toward how defeated aspirants react, possible internal reconciliations within the party, and the wider implications for APC’s political calculations ahead of 2027.
One thing, however, remains certain — Cubana Chief Priest’s political ambition has already succeeded in making him one of the most talked-about celebrity politicians in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.
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