Popular Nigerian socialite cum businessman, Pascal Chibuike Okechukwu, better known as Cubana Chief Priest, has dismissed reports circulating on social media claiming he lost the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election.
The reports sparked reactions online, with many social media users mocking the celebrity businessman over the alleged defeat.
Reacting through his Instagram page, Cubana Chief Priest clarified that he never participated in the primary election.
He wrote; “As a loyal party man & 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 Uzodinma, 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 psition 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, Asiwaju Jerry Alagboso, had previously served three terms in the House. Oru East where he comes from has him occupying as governor so is fair we allow incumbent go again. I understand and respected that position.”
“However, I also made it clear that my decision & resolve to aspire for the office was born out of my conviction that the current holder of the office was not living up to the expectations, the party adopted its zoning arrangement and selected preferred aspirants, asking them to proceed to the field. 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.”
“Infact I did not participate. As I headed straight back to Lagos. Those from my constituency can attest to the fact that I was not seen at any primary election venue. Immediately the party’s decision was communicated to me in the early hours of Saturday be fore the primaries, I stayed away completely in respect of the leadership and the internal undertanding reached. It is therefore laughable that some misguided elements are attempting to use my name for unecessary trending and online propaganda.”
“One disturbing dimension of the entire development is that some persons who should ordinarily know better have unfortunately joined in the unecessary cruise and misinformation. But again, it is only a big name that attracts attention and attempts at dragging.”
“Let me state categorically: I am not indebted to anybody over my aspiration. The aspiration was entirely mine, driven by my personal conviction and desire to serve. I have absolutely no regret whatsoever in raising the political stakes and consciousness in our constituency leading to the primaries. Democracy thrives on participation, conviction, and healthy engagement, and I remain proud of the energy and support our movement generated across the constituency.”
