Cubana Chief Priest Loses APC House of Reps Ticket in Imo

Popular celebrity businessman and nightlife entrepreneur Pascal Okechukwu, widely known as Cubana Chief Priest, has failed in his bid to secure the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket for the Orsu/Orlu/Oru East Federal Constituency of Imo State ahead of the next general election.

Cubana Chief Priest, who currently serves as the Imo State Coordinator of the pro-Tinubu City Boys Movement, had formally declared his intention to contest for a seat in the House of Representatives under the APC platform earlier this year.

His political ambition generated widespread reactions across social media and political circles, with many describing it as a major transition from entertainment and nightlife business into mainstream politics.

The celebrity businessman had campaigned on promises of youth inclusion, empowerment and what he described as “clean politics,” while also encouraging greater participation of young Nigerians in governance.

However, despite his popularity and strong social media influence, the outcome of the APC primary election did not favour him, as another aspirant reportedly emerged with the party’s ticket for the federal constituency.

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Although official detailed results of the primary have yet to be fully released publicly, sources within the APC in Imo State confirmed that Cubana Chief Priest did not secure enough support from delegates to clinch the ticket.

The development has since triggered mixed reactions online, with critics mocking the socialite’s defeat while supporters argued that political success requires more than celebrity status and online popularity.

Many political observers noted that the outcome reflects the realities of Nigeria’s grassroots political structure, where local alliances, party loyalty, delegate influence and long-term political networks often play more significant roles than fame.

Cubana Chief Priest had announced his political ambition in February through social media posts and public engagements, declaring his readiness to represent the people of Orsu, Orlu and Oru East Federal Constituency at the National Assembly.

At the time, he positioned himself as part of a new generation of politically active youths willing to contribute to national development beyond entertainment and business.

His association with the APC and support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the 2023 election campaign also increased his visibility within the ruling party.

The celebrity socialite was among several entertainers and influencers who publicly backed Tinubu’s presidential ambition through campaigns, rallies and social media mobilisation.

Despite the setback, political analysts believe Cubana Chief Priest may still remain active within the APC and youth mobilisation structures, especially given his strong influence among young Nigerians and his close ties with political figures in Imo State and beyond.

The businessman has yet to officially react in detail to the outcome of the APC primary election.

Cubana Chief Priest rose to prominence through Nigeria’s hospitality and entertainment industry, becoming one of the country’s most recognised nightlife personalities and celebrity influencers.

Over the years, he has built a massive following on Instagram and maintained close relationships with top Nigerian entertainers, politicians and business figures.

His failed House of Representatives bid has now added to growing discussions about the increasing intersection between celebrity culture, youth influence and politics in Nigeria.

Cubana Chief Priest Loses APC House of Reps Ticket in Imo

Osogbo Community Leader Sues for Peace as Political Rivalry Divides Odekilekun Family

​OSOGBO— A serious political rift has emerged within the prominent Odekilekun family of Isale-Osun, Osogbo, as two brothers—sons of the renowned industrialist Asiwaju Olatunde Badmus (Tuns)—have pitched their tents with opposing political parties ahead of the upcoming elections, triggering pockets of violence in the state capital. The brewing tension escalated over the weekend at the popular Better Life Junction in Isale-Osun, where a campaign office belonging to the younger brother, Azeez Badmus of the Accord Party, was systematically vandalized. According to reports, political thugs descended on the facility, tearing down Accord Party banners, destroying campaign materials, and defacing the property. Ironically, the targeted office sits directly adjacent to the campaign headquarters of his elder brother, Olalekan Badmus, who is a stalwart and candidate under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

​The incident has sent shockwaves through the ancient town of Osogbo, sparking widespread concern over the rising tide of political intolerance and the erosion of family values for political gain. Reacting to the ugly development, a prominent community leader, Hon. Adejumobi Akeem Abiola (popularly known as Mascot), issued a strongly-worded statement calling for immediate calm and psychological reflection among the actors involved. Hon. Adejumobi stated that differences in political affiliation among family members are not new in Osun, nor in Nigeria, emphasizing that democracy guarantees every citizen the right to association. He maintained that what should never change because of party colors is the bond of blood and the peace of our community. Expressing deep worry over the proximity of the two campaign offices and the subsequent violence, Adejumobi noted that turning political differences into physical destruction only breeds a politics of bitterness that yields no developmental dividends for the populace, builds no roads, and feeds no families.

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​To prevent the situation from degenerating into a full-blown reprisal crisis, stakeholders are moving swiftly to restore order before the local political landscape fractures further. Hon. Adejumobi has formally laid out a three-point peace agenda aimed at de-escalating the friction. First, he urged the leadership of both the APC and the Accord Party in Osogbo to immediately rein in their members and supporters to halt further hostilities. Secondly, he publicly counseled Olalekan and Azeez Badmus to look past their immediate political ambitions, sit down as brothers, and resolve their differences to protect the dignity of the Odekilekun family. Finally, he issued a stern warning to political youths and foot soldiers against being used as tools of destruction, reminding them that political parties are transient, but community remains.

​As security agencies keep a close watch on the Isale-Osun axis, local residents are hoping that the Badmus family can de-escalate the friction and set a positive example for the state. The consensus among community elders is that Better Life Junction should ultimately serve as a symbol of democratic tolerance—where two opposing party offices can stand side-by-side in peace—rather than a battleground of brotherly conflict. While neither Olalekan Badmus (APC) nor Azeez Badmus (Accord Party) has released an official statement regarding the weekend’s vandalism, political analysts predict that how the brothers handle this crisis will heavily influence the peace of the electoral ward moving forward.

Osogbo Community Leader Sues for Peace as Political Rivalry Divides Odekilekun Family

‘I’m Sorry My Daddy’ — Desmond Elliot Tenders Public Apology to Gbajabiamila

Lawmaker and Nollywood actor Desmond Elliot has publicly tendered an apology to Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, over what he described as misunderstandings arising from political engagements within the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking during an appearance on TVC’s Your View, Elliot described Gbajabiamila as a political mentor and senior figure who played a key role in his political development.

The apology comes months after political tension linked to the leadership crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly, which triggered internal disputes within the APC and drew public attention to disagreements among party stakeholders.

Gbajabiamila had earlier revealed that allegations surrounding Elliot’s conduct during the Assembly speakership tussle nearly affected his position in the Presidency after concerns were reportedly raised to President Bola Tinubu. That disclosure added renewed attention to the internal party dynamics behind the controversy.

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Responding to the situation, Elliot stressed that politics often comes with misunderstandings and emotional reactions, adding that any perceived disagreement between them was not intentional.

“I’m not saying, oh, yes, media will come out, oh yes, Desmond begs again. Yes, because he’s my egbon. And I grew up learning everything I knew in politics through him,” he said.

He further emphasised that relationships in politics are not perfect and that forgiveness is an important principle in resolving conflicts.

“To err is human, to forgive is divine. So I’m sorry, my daddy, if I’ve offended you in any way,” Elliot stated.

The lawmaker also extended an apology to a respected figure he referred to as the “matriarch of Surulere,” expressing regret over any actions that may have caused offence.

“To the matriarch of Surulere, mama, I’m sorry if I’ve offended you,” he added.

Despite the controversy, Elliot maintained that his focus remains on strengthening the APC in Surulere and delivering constituency projects to his constituents in Lagos State.

He insisted that his performance as a lawmaker remains visible and verifiable by residents of Surulere.

“But I will keep keeping the party strong. And to all Surulerians, my scorecard is there. You know the things I’ve done to make Surulere a better place,” he said.

The apology has continued to generate political reactions, especially within Lagos APC circles, where observers view it as part of ongoing reconciliation efforts following months of internal disagreements.

‘I’m Sorry My Daddy’ — Desmond Elliot Tenders Public Apology to Gbajabiamila