The All Progressives Congress, APC, primary election for the Orlu, Orsu, Oru East Federal Constituency has continued to stir political conversations across Imo State and beyond following an outcome that highlighted the influence of political structure, party loyalty, and grassroots mobilisation over celebrity status and online popularity.
At the centre of the contest was nightlife entrepreneur and socialite, Paschal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest or Money Na Water, whose entrance into the race attracted significant public attention due to his visibility, financial influence, and massive social media following.
Supporters projected him as a fresh political force capable of challenging the existing order within the APC in the constituency.
However, the primary election ended in a decisive victory for the incumbent lawmaker, High Chief Hon. Canice Moore Chigozie Nwachukwu, widely known as Omeogo, who remains deeply rooted within the APC political structure in the constituency.
He reportedly secured an overwhelming 2,846 delegate votes against Cubana Chief Priest’s 14 votes, a result many party insiders described as a clear indication of structure prevailing over celebrity appeal in internal party politics.
Cubana Chief Priest’s campaign focused on promises of personal financial investment in development projects, youth empowerment initiatives, and economic growth within the constituency.
His engagements with delegates were characterised by high profile hospitality and extensive mobilisation efforts, which generated widespread public discussion ahead of the primaries.
Despite the momentum surrounding his candidacy, the outcome was ultimately shaped by entrenched political alliances, longstanding grassroots networks, and loyalty blocs that continue to dominate APC internal politics.
Omeogo, regarded as a seasoned political figure within the constituency, is widely seen as a product of sustained grassroots engagement and strong party structure.
He is also known as a longstanding ally of Governor Hope Uzodimma, with political relationships reportedly dating back to earlier political movements within the state.
Political observers maintain that his influence is firmly anchored on ward level mobilisation systems, community loyalty structures, and established ties within the APC hierarchy.
Supporters also credit him with contributing significantly to previous political mobilisation efforts that strengthened the APC’s presence in Imo State.
The Orlu, Orsu, Oru East Federal Constituency remains one of the most politically strategic regions in Imo State, the home state of Governor Uzodimma, making loyalty and alignment within the party crucial factors in determining electoral outcomes.
Within this context, analysts interpret Omeogo’s victory as a reaffirmation of tested loyalty, organisational strength, and political continuity within the APC.
Some stakeholders argued that Cubana Chief Priest’s political ambition may have gained stronger traction had it started from a lower legislative platform such as the Imo State House of Assembly, allowing him time to build influence within party structures.
Ultimately, the result has been widely described as another example of political structure outweighing celebrity influence in Nigerian politics, where visibility and wealth could not surpass established grassroots coordination and loyalty networks.
The final outcome, 14 votes against 2,846, sealed a commanding victory for Omeogo and reinforced the enduring dominance of political structure in intra party contests.
