Cubana Chief Priest’s APC Primary Defeat Sparks Fresh Debate Over Tinubu’s Support in Southeast

The defeat of celebrity businessman Pascal Okechukwu, widely known as Cubana Chief Priest, in the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives primary election has triggered fresh political reactions ahead of the 2027 elections.

Reacting to the development, Aloy Ejimakor, lawyer to detained Indigenous People of Biafra leader Nnamdi Kanu, claimed the outcome reflected growing dissatisfaction among many Igbo people toward President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration.

Cubana Chief Priest had sought the APC ticket for the Orsu/Orlu/Oru East Federal Constituency seat in Imo State. However, the businessman failed to secure the party’s nomination amid reports that the APC leadership adopted a zoning arrangement during the primary process.

Although Cubana later stated that he did not actively participate in the exercise because of the party’s zoning decision, the outcome quickly became a talking point on social media and within political circles, especially due to his public relationship with President Tinubu’s son, Seyi Tinubu.

In a post shared on his verified X account, Ejimakor argued that Cubana Chief Priest’s inability to secure the APC ticket was politically significant and could indicate deeper frustrations among Igbo voters, including APC supporters in the Southeast.

According to him:

“Cubana’s epic loss of the APC primary, despite his open fraternity with Seyi Tinubu, is proof that Ndigbo, including those in APC, are deeply unhappy with President Tinubu.”

He further claimed the development could serve as an early signal of political outcomes expected in the 2027 general elections.

The APC primary election in Imo State has already generated mixed reactions among party members and political observers. While some believe the zoning arrangement influenced the outcome, others argue that grassroots political structures, loyalty within the party, and long-term political engagement remain more important than celebrity popularity or online influence.

Political analysts also note that celebrity involvement in Nigerian politics continues to attract public attention, particularly when entertainers and social media figures attempt to transition into elective positions.

Cubana Chief Priest, known for his influence in entertainment and nightlife circles, has in recent years openly associated with political figures and national leaders, increasing speculation about his political ambitions.

The reaction from Ejimakor comes amid growing political conversations ahead of the 2027 elections, especially regarding President Tinubu’s support base across different regions of Nigeria.

The Southeast has historically maintained a complicated relationship with the APC at the national level, with many voters in the region often aligning with opposition parties. Political tensions surrounding issues such as insecurity, economic hardship, and the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu have also remained major subjects of debate within the region.

At the same time, analysts caution against using a single party primary outcome as a definitive measure of regional political sentiment. Internal party arrangements such as zoning, endorsements, and delegate influence often play a decisive role during primary elections.

Nevertheless, the controversy surrounding Cubana Chief Priest’s failed bid has intensified conversations about celebrity influence in politics and the APC’s political standing in the Southeast ahead of the next election cycle.

The APC primary outcome involving Cubana Chief Priest has become more than just a local party contest. The reactions that followed, particularly from figures linked to the IPOB movement, have transformed it into a wider political conversation about public sentiment, regional loyalty, and the future of Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of 2027.

As political alignments continue to shift, developments within party primaries are expected to remain closely watched, especially in regions where voter sentiment could significantly shape the outcome of future national elections.