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Against Cubana Chief Priest For Imo Reps Seat
Celebrity businessman and nightlife promoter Cubana Chief Priest may have built one of the strongest entertainment brands in Nigeria but his recent political experience in Imo State showed that fame and social media popularity alone are not enough to win elections in the country’s complicated political system.
The socialite, whose real name is Pascal Okechukwu, suffered a major political setback during the All Progressives Congress primary election for the Orlu, Orsu and Oru East Federal Constituency seat after losing out to Hon. Canice Moore Nwachukwu, popularly known as Omeogo, the incumbent who has already spent 2-terms.
The defeat quickly became one of the biggest political discussions online because many Nigerians had expected Cubana Chief Priest to perform strongly due to his popularity among youths and his influence within entertainment circles. However, political analysts explained that the election exposed several weaknesses in his political calculations and highlighted why Hon. Canice Moore Nwachukwu remained politically stronger at the grassroots.
Firstly, Omeogo, is not a newcomer in Imo politics. He is the sitting House of Representatives member representing Orlu, Orsu and Oru East Federal Constituency under the APC. Over the years, he has built strong political structures across communities within the constituency, maintaining close relationships with delegates, ward leaders, party executives and local stakeholders. Analysts said his years of political networking gave him a huge advantage over Cubana Chief Priest, who only recently became active in partisan politics due to his closeness to President Tinubu’s son, Seyi.
One of the major reasons Cubana Chief Priest failed politically was his late entry into grassroots politics. While he had huge online popularity, many APC insiders believed he lacked the years of political investment required to challenge an incumbent lawmaker like Hon. Canice Moore Nwachukwu. In Nigerian politics, especially during party primaries, grassroots relationships and loyalty often matter more than social media fame.
Another factor that reportedly damaged his political ambition was the growing controversy surrounding comments made by him and his mentor, businessman Obi Cubana, concerning the political position of the Igbo people. Following his appointment as coordinator of the City Boy Movement in the South East, Cubana Chief Priest repeatedly argued that the Igbos were becoming political losers because they continued to stay far from the seat of power in Abuja.
According to him, many people from the South East spent years complaining about marginalization while refusing to strategically align with the ruling government. He insisted that his mission was to reconnect the South East with the federal government so that the region could benefit from appointments, development projects and economic opportunities.
While some people praised him for speaking boldly, many others became angry over his comments and accused him of insulting his own people. The controversy became even more intense after Obi Cubana was also accused by critics of making a controversial statement in Igbo language saying, “Ndi Igbo bu Ndi Emeriri emeri,” which translates to “Igbos are defeated people.”
Some youths accused Cubana Chief Priest and Obi Cubana of using political alignment to mock the struggles of their people.
One social media user wrote, “How can you call your own people they are ‘defeated people’ because of politics?”
Another critic wrote, “You cannot insult the history and pain of Ndi Igbo and expect grassroots support.”
Some supporters however defended both men, insisting that their statements were being misunderstood and taken out of context. According to them, the comments were aimed at encouraging political strategy rather than insulting the Igbo people.
One supporter wrote, “They are only talking about political relevance, not insulting the Igbo race.”
Another user commented, “People are twisting their words for political reasons.”
Despite those explanations, analysts believe the backlash seriously affected Cubana Chief Priest’s acceptance among some grassroots supporters in Imo State, especially among youths who already felt politically frustrated and emotionally attached to Igbo identity.
The tension reportedly became visible during a political rally and outreach programme held in Imo State involving Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, Cubana Chief Priest and Obi Cubana. The event was intended to strengthen political support and connect with local youths, but reports and Videos shared online suggested that angry youths disrupted activities during the gathering.
According to eyewitness accounts circulating online, some of the youths who stormed the event accused Cubana Chief Priest and Obi Cubana of disrespecting the Igbo people with their political statements. Videos showed confusion around parts of the venue as chairs and materials were reportedly scattered while security operatives attempted to restore calm.
Several reports claimed that many of the angry youths identified themselves as “village boys” and insisted they were offended by comments portraying Ndi Igbo as political failures or defeated people.
Another major reason Cubana Chief Priest failed politically was because many people still viewed him mainly as a nightlife celebrity rather than a serious politician. Although he repeatedly spoke about empowerment and development, some delegates reportedly questioned his political experience and understanding of legislative duties.
Critics also argued that his flamboyant lifestyle may have worked against him among conservative grassroots stakeholders who preferred more traditional political figures. While young fans admired his luxury lifestyle and celebrity connections, some older politicians allegedly viewed him as politically inexperienced.
Many analysts also believed his campaign depended too heavily on social media visibility instead of critical political negotiations with influential party stakeholders. While his online supporters were loud and energetic, political insiders noted that politics is usually decided through years of loyalty and strategic alliances.
Analysts said the election clearly showed that Hon. Omeogo remained firmly in control of the political machinery within the constituency despite Cubana Chief-Priest insistence that he did not take part in the process. Perhaps of note is the last minute shocker said to have been handed him by the Imo State governor, Hope Uzodinma, who made it clear to him that it wasn’t the turn of his Local Government and as such, should allow Omeogo go for 2 more terms in office. On learning of this, Cubana Chief Priest reportedly withdrew from the contest, knowing fully well, what the outcome would be.
Social media reactions after the election became intense. Some people openly mocked Cubana Chief Priest while others sympathized with him.
One user wrote, “Instagram followers are not APC delegates.”
Some supporters however defended him strongly.
One supporter wrote, “At least he had the courage to contest. Most celebrities only make noise online.”
Another said, “He may have lost now but this experience will help him politically in future.”
Amid the controversy surrounding the primary election, Cubana Chief Priest later reacted through his social media page denying that he truly lost the election.
According to him, “I didn’t lose the primaries. Our leader Gov. Hope Uzodinma zoned the position to Orlu for another two terms, I understood and withdrew. I was in Lagos all through, stop spreading misinformation.”
By Benprince Ezeh
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