Popular socialite and nightlife entrepreneur, Pascal Okechukwu, widely known as Cubana Chief Priest, has formally announced his intention to run for public office.

In a post on his official Instagram page, Cubana Chief Priest indicated he will run for a seat in the House of Representatives in the 2027 general elections.

He stated that he will run on the ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Describing his choice as carefully calculated and politically strategic, he believes the ruling party offers a stronger pathway to influence federal power, particularly in pushing for the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

Explaining his decision to remain with the APC despite dominant opposition sentiments in parts of the South-East, Cubana Chief Priest argued that operating from outside government weakens one’s capacity to effect change at the highest level.

“I no fit help Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from the opposition. I have always been an APC.

“My father, Governor Hope, has worked hard on APC for me not to support him as DG renewed hope,” he said.

Addressing questions of his political posture were he supported the Labour Party and Peter Obi in 2023, he clarified that his involvement in the Obidient movement occurred while he was serving as a Special Adviser to Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma.

However, he stressed that his political alignment has since shifted decisively back to the centre, pledging loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC leadership.

“Last election, as special adviser to Governor hope, I worked for Peter obi, but this time I dey with Asiwaju,” he said.

Cubana Chief Priest described his 2027 ambition as a conscious transition from online influence to direct political participation.

He maintained that the South-East required younger, influential actors embedded within the system to effectively negotiate and advance the region’s interests at the federal level.