I Withdrew From Imo APC Reps Race Before Voting Began — Cubana Chief Priest

Socialite and businessman Pascal Okechukwu, widely known as Cubana Chief Priest, has said he voluntarily withdrew from the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives primary election for the Orsu/Orlu/Oru East Federal Constituency of Imo State before voting commenced.

The statement follows reports that the nightlife entrepreneur had lost the ruling party’s ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections to the incumbent lawmaker, Hon. Canice More Nwachukwu.

Reacting via a statement on his Instagram handle on Sunday, Okechukwu stated that his decision to stay away from the primary venue was predicated on official zoning consultations with the leader of the party in the state and Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma.

According to him, the governor outlined the party’s position on the legislative seat, emphasising the need to allow Orlu Local Government Area to complete a second term to maintain equitable power rotation within the federal constituency.

“As a loyal party man and committed progressive, I wish to clearly state my position. Following my consultations and meeting with our leader of the party in the state and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, His Excellency, presented the position of the party regarding zoning within the Federal Constituency and his resolve to ensure that Orlu LGA at least gets two terms before the position leaves for another LGA,” Okechukwu stated.

He further said that, after the party leadership adopted its definitive zoning format and indicated its preference for the incumbent, he chose to respect the internal understanding reached in the early hours of Saturday, aborted his field mobilisation, and immediately returned to Lagos.