The harder they come, the harder they fall; Cubana Chief Priest loses APC primaries.

Imo State born popular socialite, APC member and a frontline member of City Boys Movement, Mr Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, has lost the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for the Orsu/Orlu/Oru East Federal Constituency seat in Imo State ahead of the 2027 general elections. Reports filed by local affairs corresposndents of Umuaka Times disclosed that the celebrity socialite and businessman was defeated by the incumbent lawmaker, Hon. Canice Moore Nwachukwu, who currently represents the constituency in the House of Representatives and is serving his second term.

It can be recalled that Cubana Chief Priest had formally declared his political ambition in April 2026 after purchasing the APC expression of interest and nomination forms. His entrance into politics generated widespread attention across Imo State and on social media, particularly among young supporters who viewed his candidacy as a fresh alternative in the political space.

A former aide to Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, Cubana Chief Priest has remained vocal in support of the APC-led administration and President Bola Tinubu’s government. He was also appointed Imo director of the City Boy Movement (CBM), a youth-focused support group backing Tinubu’s re-election campaign.

Reports from the primary election indicated that the contest was tense and highly competitive, with party delegates ultimately favouring the incumbent lawmaker due to his established grassroots political structure within the constituency.

Supporters of Cubana Chief Priest had hoped his popularity, philanthropy and influence among youths would boost his chances at the polls but they were all disappointed at last as their principal lost out in the political chess game of APC primary elections. Umuaka Times confirmed that delegates largely stayed loyal to Nwachukwu, whose supporters celebrated after the announcement of the results.

Observers at the venue said members of Cubana Chief Priest’s camp appeared disappointed following the outcome, while reactions across Imo State and on social media remained mixed. While some critics mocked the celebrity businessman, arguing that politics requires more than social media popularity and nightlife influence, others praised him for venturing into politics and inspiring youth participation in governance.

Political analysts and several Nigerian newspapers described the outcome as another example of how celebrity status does not automatically translate into electoral success, especially in grassroots-driven politics such as those in Imo State.

The development has further fueled conversations about the growing involvement of entertainers, influencers and public figures in Nigerian politics ahead of the 2027 elections. It is yet to be established if Cubana Chief Priest will continue promoting Bola Tinubu’s ambition in the City Boy Movement or not.