*Insists He Didn’t Participate In Exercise Due To Zoning
*Seyi Tinubu Sends Consolation
SOCIALITE and celebrity chef-turned politician, Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, has recommitted to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu despite losing the party’s House of Representatives ticket for Orsu/Orlu/Oru East Federal Constituency of Imo State last Saturday, May 16.
In a series of Instagram stories posted on his official page on Sunday, May 17, Okechukwu pledged support for Tinubu’s agenda, noting: “For the record, my commitment to the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027 remains absolute and unwavering.
“I will continue vigorously with our advocacy and mobilisation efforts for the success of the Renewed Hope agenda.
“The APC remains my party, today and always. I remain loyal and committed to the ideals and leadership of our great party. And on the Asiwaju mandate, we stand firmly and unapologetically.”
He, however, clarified that contrary to news making the rounds, he did not participate in the primaries’ electioneering process after consultations with the Governor Hope Uzodimma and other party leaders.
He stated that the governor had explained that the party adopted a zoning arrangement that would allow Orlu Local Government Area to retain the seat for at least two terms before it rotates to another area, adding: “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.
“He made the argument that it was not the turn of my local government area to occupy the seat at this time, especially considering that my elder brother, Jerry Alagboso, had previously served three terms in the House. I understood and respected that position.”
The entrepreneur said his aspiration was driven by his belief that the current representative was not meeting the expectations of constituents, but he ultimately stepped aside in deference to the party’s decision, adding: “In respect for the party and its leadership, I chose not to proceed to the field, and indeed, I never did.
“Nobody will say they saw me anywhere around the primaries venue. In fact, I did not participate, as I headed straight back to Lagos.”
He described reports that he contested and scored only 14 votes as misinformation and social media propaganda, even as he stressed that he had no regrets joining the race, as his ambition helped to raise political awareness and engagement across the constituency.
Meanwhile son of the President, Seyi Tinubu, has sent a message of solidarity to Okechukwu, on Instagram, saying: “Bro, sometimes by losing a battle, you find a new way to win the war. Keep your head up.”
Recall that Cubana Chief Priest is a staunch supporter of the current administration and serves as the Imo State Coordinator of the City Boy Movement, a prominent political support group anchored by Seyi backing the re-election of Tinubu.
Following tensions across the states ahead of the primaries, Tinubu had appealed to members, aspirants and party leaders to conduct themselves as sportsmen and women.
He said rancorous behaviour would only serve the opposition, cautioning winners against gloating and urging losers to accept defeat with grace.
Tinubu, in a personal statement on Thursday, said the exercises were not merely platforms to produce standard bearers, but a referendum on the APC’s unity, resilience and strength as a party entering its fourth election cycle, noting: “In every contest, there will be a winner and a loser.
“I urge the winners not to gloat in victory and the losers to show sportsmanship by taking things in their stride and preparing for another time.
“The ultimate winners are those who don’t choose to wreck the boat, but rather work to prepare for another round.
“Our opponents are waiting for us to be against each other; we should disappoint them.”
According to him: “We should not play the politics of old, the do-or-die politics that we have put behind us. Politics should never be a zero-sum game. Any candidate that wins does so for all of us as a party…
“I urge us all to go into the primaries as brothers and sisters.”
To state governors, he advised: “You must rise above sentiment to offer all aspirants a level playing field that guarantees participation without let or hindrance.
“While only one person will win for every seat contested, we should give eventual losers the satisfaction of a fair contest.”
