Socialite and businessman Cubana Chief Priest has lost the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for the House of Representatives seat representing Orsu/Orlu/Oru East Federal Constituency of Imo State ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Cubana Chief Priest, whose real name is Pascal Okechukwu, had in recent months declared his intention to fully venture into politics under the APC platform, a move that generated widespread reactions across the South-East and on social media.

The nightlife entrepreneur and coordinator of the South-East City Boy Movement had purchased the APC nomination and expression of interest forms, describing his ambition as part of efforts to promote youth empowerment and grassroots development.

His political ambition drew mixed reactions, with supporters pointing to his popularity and philanthropic activities, while critics questioned his political experience and readiness for legislative duties.

The APC primary election, conducted as part of preparations for the 2027 elections, ended with the celebrity businessman failing to secure the party’s ticket for the federal constituency seat.

Details of the final vote tally and the candidate who emerged victorious were still being awaited at the time of reporting.

Following the outcome, reactions quickly spread across social media, with some users mocking the defeat and suggesting he may have underestimated the realities of Nigerian politics.

Reacting to the development, Ossai Ovie Success, Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Delta State Governor, criticised those ridiculing the socialite online.

“Why are people mocking Cubana Chief Priest? Not nice… it’s ok to try and try again. He lost an election and so what? I am disappointed,” he wrote on Facebook.

Before the primary, Cubana Chief Priest had called for a new culture of youth-driven and issue-based political participation, presenting his political move as part of broader efforts to encourage young Nigerians to engage in governance.