Cubana Chief Priest speaks on alleged defeat and viral “14 votes” claim

The political atmosphere in Imo State became a major talking point over the weekend following the All Progressives Congress primary elections held ahead of the 2027 general polls. At the center of the widespread discussion is well known nightlife entrepreneur and social figure Pascal Okechukwu, popularly called Cubana Chief Priest, who has now addressed growing reports suggesting that he suffered a heavy defeat in the party primaries.

Social media platforms were flooded with claims that the celebrity businessman, who also serves as Imo State Coordinator for the pro Tinubu City Boy Movement, participated in the APC primaries for the Orsu, Orlu and Oru East Federal Constituency House of Representatives seat and only managed to secure 14 votes. The claim quickly went viral, triggering debates, criticism, and amusement across different online communities.

However, Cubana Chief Priest has now come forward to dismiss the reports entirely, describing them as false, misleading, and deliberately circulated to create controversy. According to him, the narrative being shared online does not reflect what actually happened during the selection process.

Clarifying What Really Happened

In a detailed response shared through his Instagram stories on Sunday, the socialite explained that he did not participate in the final voting stage of the APC primaries. Instead, he stated that he voluntarily withdrew from the race before any ballots were cast.

He emphasized that the idea of him receiving 14 votes or being defeated at the polls was completely fabricated. According to him, at no point did he stand for election in the formal sense, as he had already stepped aside following consultations within the party structure.

He described the circulating reports as an attempt by what he called mischief makers to distort facts and use his name for online attention.

Behind the Decision to Step Down

Cubana Chief Priest further explained that his withdrawal from the race came after a series of high level discussions within the party, particularly involving key stakeholders in Imo State. A major influence in the decision, according to him, was Governor Hope Uzodimma, who played a central role in clarifying the political structure guiding the constituency.

He revealed that during late night consultations, the governor explained the importance of the existing zoning arrangement within the Orsu, Orlu and Oru East federal constituency. This arrangement, according to party guidelines, determines which local government area is eligible to produce a representative at any given time.

The zoning formula, as explained to him, indicated that it was not yet the turn of his own local government area to occupy the seat in the National Assembly. Instead, the current structure required that another area complete its agreed political cycle before rotation could take place.

He also referenced historical representation within the constituency, noting that senior political figures from related areas had previously served multiple terms, which further reinforced the argument for maintaining balance in political rotation.

Following these explanations, he said he made the decision to respect the party’s position and step down from the contest in order to avoid internal conflict and maintain unity within the APC structure in the state.

Rejecting the Viral Election Narrative

Addressing the widespread claim that he was defeated with just 14 votes, Cubana Chief Priest strongly rejected the story, insisting that it was entirely untrue and misleading.

He explained that he never appeared at the primary election venue and did not participate in any voting process. According to him, once the decision to withdraw was finalized, he disengaged completely from the exercise and returned to Lagos.

He expressed frustration over what he described as the eagerness of some individuals to spread false narratives without verifying facts. He noted that while politics often attracts speculation, there should be limits to how information is distorted for engagement on social media.

He further stressed that stepping down from a race should not be misinterpreted as electoral failure, especially when the withdrawal was based on internal party consultation and respect for leadership decisions.

Political Motivation and Local Expectations

Although he stepped aside, Cubana Chief Priest maintained that his interest in contesting the seat was driven by genuine concern about representation in his constituency. He stated that his ambition was motivated by what he sees as the need for improved leadership and more responsive governance at the federal level.

He expressed the belief that the current representation had not fully met the expectations of constituents, which was part of the reason he initially considered joining the race.

However, he emphasized that his decision to step down does not change his commitment to advocating for better governance and supporting political progress within his community.

Public Reaction and Mixed Responses

The viral nature of the initial reports generated widespread reactions across social media platforms. While some users mocked the alleged “14 votes” claim, others questioned how celebrity figures transition into serious political roles within Nigeria’s complex party system.

The situation once again highlighted the intersection between entertainment influence and political ambition, especially in a system where internal party rules, zoning arrangements, and negotiations often play a decisive role in candidate selection.

Supporters of the socialite argued that the misinformation was unfair and unnecessary, particularly given that he had not officially participated in the voting process. Critics, however, used the moment to question the seriousness of celebrity involvement in partisan politics.

Support From Political Allies

In the midst of the online reactions, Cubana Chief Priest also received public support from influential figures within the political space. One of the most notable messages of encouragement came from Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and a prominent supporter of the City Boy Movement.

Seyi Tinubu publicly reached out to him with words of encouragement, urging him not to be discouraged by the controversy surrounding the primaries. He noted that political journeys often involve setbacks or misunderstandings and encouraged him to remain focused on long term goals.

The message was widely circulated and interpreted by observers as a sign that the socialite still maintains strong connections within key political circles, despite stepping down from the current race.

What Lies Ahead Politically

Although Cubana Chief Priest did not secure the APC ticket for the 2027 House of Representatives race, his recent statement suggests that his political journey is not over. Instead, his withdrawal appears to be a strategic pause rather than a full exit from political engagement.

The developments also underline the realities of Nigerian party politics, where zoning agreements, internal consultations, and leadership decisions often determine outcomes as much as, or even more than, direct voting strength.

For now, the Orsu, Orlu and Oru East federal constituency remains under its existing representation, while the APC continues its internal arrangements ahead of the general elections.

As for Cubana Chief Priest, his message is clear. He insists he did not suffer an electoral defeat, he voluntarily stepped aside, and his political ambition remains intact for future opportunities.

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