Popular socialite and nightlife entrepreneur Pascal Okechukwu, widely known as Cubana Chief Priest, has declared his intention to run for a seat in Nigeria’s House of Representatives in the 2027 general election.
The announcement was made via his Instagram page, where he revealed he would contest under the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He described the decision as carefully considered and strategically aimed at maximizing his impact within the federal government.
Cubana Chief Priest explained that aligning with the APC provides a more effective avenue to influence national policy, particularly in advocating for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
“I cannot help Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from the opposition. I have always been an APC,” he said, adding that his father, Governor Hope Uzodimma, had invested considerable effort in supporting the party.
The entrepreneur addressed questions about his political activity during the 2023 elections, when he openly supported Labour Party candidate Peter Obi. He clarified that his involvement in the Obidient movement occurred while he served as Special Adviser to Governor Uzodimma of Imo State.
“Last election, as special adviser to Governor Hope, I worked for Peter Obi, but this time I am with Asiwaju,” Cubana Chief Priest stated, signaling a clear shift back to the APC and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He described his 2027 ambition as a transition from online influence to direct political participation, emphasizing the importance of having young, influential voices from the South-East embedded within the federal system to advocate for the region’s interests effectively.
Cubana Chief Priest’s announcement has already drawn attention online, highlighting the growing intersection of celebrity influence and formal politics in Nigeria.
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