In a series of explanatory text slides shared via his verified Instagram story, high-profile Nigerian hospitality mogul and socialite Pascal Okechukwu, widely known as Cubana Chief Priest, vehemently denied circulating rumors that he suffered a crushing loss in the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary elections in Imo State. The billionaire businessman addressed claims regarding his political ambitions for the Orsu/Orlu/Oru East Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives.
The nightlife icon clarified that he never purchased nomination forms or declared an active candidacy for the legislative seat, making a political “defeat” factually impossible. He noted that false political narratives were being spun by digital blogs to weaponize his massive social standing for clicks.
Despite his active denial of direct candidacy, the socialite confirmed his deep connection to top political echelons, noting that he remains a steadfast supporter of the ruling party’s developmental agenda without needing an elected office. The statement was designed to stabilize his corporate brand identity.
Major national media outlets stepped in to clarify the timeline of the primary election developments. A report published by The Nation Newspaper confirmed that “Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, has consoled businessman and socialite Pascal Okechukwu after losing out on the APC primary ticket,” exposing the conflicting narratives within the political camp. Further, a political update from Guardian Nigeria noted that “visa issues prevent Cubana Chief Priest from attending Davido’s Miami wedding,” highlighting the multi-layered social distractions currently surrounding the popular businessman.
### Echotitbits Take
Cubana Chief Priest is playing a highly calculated game of public relations damage control to protect his highly lucrative hospitality investments from toxic partisan blowback. Whether he officially ran or was advised to step aside behind closed doors, his public denial aims to preserve his status as an objective pop culture icon rather than a failed politician. His public consolation from Seyi Tinubu proves his elite political capital remains completely intact, ensuring his nightlife empire suffers no commercial friction.
Source: BBC — https://www.bbc.com/pidgin/articles/c8r8vr77jz6o May 18, 2026
Photo Credit: BBC
