Popular nightlife entrepreneur and socialite, Pascal Okechukwu, better known as Cubana Chief Priest, has announced his intention to contest for a seat in Nigeria’s House of Representatives in the 2027 general elections.
The celebrity businessman made the declaration via a post on Instagram, confirming that he will seek the ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He described the decision as a deliberate political calculation aimed at positioning himself within the centre of federal power.
According to Cubana Chief Priest, aligning with the ruling party is critical to achieving meaningful political influence, particularly on national issues affecting the South-East. He specifically cited the continued detention of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, as one of the matters that informed his political strategy.
He argued that operating from the opposition limits access to decision-making structures, stressing that real negotiations and policy influence are more effective from within the government.
The entrepreneur also addressed questions surrounding his political stance during the 2023 general elections, when he publicly supported Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi. He clarified that his involvement at the time was linked to his role as a Special Adviser to Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma.
Cubana Chief Priest maintained that his current political position represents a return to the APC, reaffirming loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the party’s leadership ahead of 2027.
He further described his planned transition into elective politics as a move from social media influence to direct legislative engagement, insisting that the South-East needs influential voices embedded within the political system to effectively advocate for the region’s interests at the national level.
The declaration adds to the growing list of public figures signaling political ambitions ahead of the 2027 elections.