Popular Nigerian nightlife promoter and businessman, Pascal Okechukwu, widely known as Cubana Chief Priest, has suffered a setback in his political ambition after failing to secure the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket for the House of Representatives seat covering Orsu/Orlu/Oru East Federal Constituency in Imo State.
The celebrity entrepreneur had entered the race with hopes of representing the constituency at the National Assembly.
His bid formed part of his recent transition into partisan politics, where he has publicly advocated for youth participation and a shift toward issue-based political engagement.
Cubana chief priest, who also serves as Imo State Coordinator of the City Boys Movement, formally declared his interest in politics earlier in the year, positioning himself as part of a new generation of political actors seeking reform and broader civic inclusion.
However, the outcome of the APC primary election did not favour him, as he failed to clinch the party’s nomination.
The result quickly triggered widespread reactions across social media platforms, where users expressed mixed sentiments, with many commenting on the difficulty of navigating Nigeria’s political terrain, especially for first-time aspirants.
While some online reactions mocked his defeat, others argued that his loss reflects the highly competitive nature of party politics and the challenges of translating popularity in entertainment and business into electoral success.
Reacting to the development, Ossai Ovie Success, Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Delta State Governor, criticised the wave of ridicule directed at the socialite.
He urged Nigerians to show empathy, noting that electoral defeat is a normal part of political participation and should not attract public mockery.
He emphasised that losing an election does not mark the end of a political journey, encouraging aspirants to remain resilient and continue engaging in democratic processes.
The outcome adds Cubana chief priest’s name to a growing list of public figures who have recently tested their popularity at the polls but fell short at the party primary stage.
