By Adesakin Adefemi
Pascal Okechukwu, the socialite and entrepreneur popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, has purchased the All Progressives Congress expression of interest and nomination forms to contest the Orsu/Orlu/Oru East Federal Constituency seat in Imo State.
The nightlife promoter made his intention public after visiting the APC state secretariat in Owerri, where he informed party officials of his ambition to represent the constituency in the House of Representatives. He said the move followed consultations with stakeholders and grassroots leaders across the three local government areas.
In a post shared on Instagram, Cubana Chief Priest displayed the forms during a visit to Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu and a key figure in the City Boy Movement, a youth support group backing the president’s re-election agenda. He described the visit as a step to “seek blessings” for his political journey.
The APC had on April 20 released its timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 elections. Under the guidelines, aspirants for the House of Representatives are to pay N1 million for the expression of interest form and N9 million for the nomination form, bringing the total cost to N10 million.
Addressing party executives in Imo, Cubana Chief Priest said his decision was driven by a desire to give back to his community. “I made known to them my humble aspiration to represent my people, the good people of Orsu, Orlu and Oru East Federal Constituency, at the House of Representatives,” he stated. “Na God get power; let the will of God be done.”
The socialite has become increasingly vocal in his support for the ruling party and the Tinubu administration. He was recently named Imo State Director of the City Boy Movement, a role that positions him to mobilize youth support for the president’s second-term bid across the state.
Party sources in Owerri said his entrance into the race has stirred interest among young voters in the constituency, where youth unemployment and insecurity remain key concerns. His campaign is expected to focus on empowerment, enterprise, and grassroots development, leaning on his profile as a businessman.
If successful at the APC primary, Cubana Chief Priest will face candidates from other parties for the Orsu/Orlu/Oru East seat in the 2027 general elections. The Independent National Electoral Commission has not yet released the full timetable for the polls, but political activity is intensifying ahead of party primaries scheduled for later this year.
