Seyi Tinubu has reacted to the defeat of celebrity businessman and socialite Pascal Okechukwu in the All Progressives Congress primary election for a House of Representatives seat.
Cubana Chief Priest had contested for the APC ticket for the Orsu/Orlu/Oru East Federal Constituency of Imo State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The nightlife promoter, who currently serves as the Imo State Coordinator of the City Boys Movement, lost to the incumbent lawmaker, Canice Nwachukwu, after securing just 14 votes in the primary.
Reacting to the outcome, Seyi Tinubu shared a message of encouragement to the socialite via his Instagram page on Sunday, a post later reposted by Cubana Chief Priest.
“Bro, sometimes by losing a battle, you find a new way to win the war. Keep your head up @cubana_chiefpriest. We know what you are capable of achieving,” Seyi wrote.
Cubana Chief Priest had earlier addressed the outcome in a video circulating online, insisting he had no regrets about contesting for the position.
“I’m a hustler, and I didn’t regret trying to contest for a position. My only regret was trusting the elders in the community.
“I know how much I gave them, but only 14 people voted for me in the primary,” he said.
His defeat has since triggered mixed reactions across social media, with some users mocking his inability to clinch the APC ticket despite his visible public support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The development highlights the unpredictable nature of party primaries, where public popularity and political loyalty do not always translate into electoral success within internal party structures.
What You Should Know
Cubana Chief Priest’s failed bid for the APC House of Representatives ticket underscores the reality that celebrity influence and social media popularity often carry limited weight in Nigeria’s internal party politics.
Primary elections are typically shaped by local political alliances, grassroots structures, and delegate calculations rather than public visibility. Seyi Tinubu’s public show of support suggests Cubana still maintains influential political connections despite the loss.
The outcome may also serve as an early lesson for entertainers and public figures seeking political office that electoral success requires deeper political organisation, constituency engagement, and strategic alliance-building beyond personal fame or high-profile endorsements.
