Cubana Chief Priest has reacted to reports claiming he lost the APC House of Representatives ticket during the party’s direct primaries in Imo State, clarifying that he never participated in the exercise and did not contest.
He said his decision to step away followed consultations with party leaders, including Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, who explained the party’s zoning arrangement for the federal constituency.
He said: “As a loyal party man & committed progressive, I wish to clearly state my position. Following my consultations and meeting with our leader of the party in the state and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, His Excellency presented the position of the party regarding zoning within the Federal Constituency and his resolve to ensure that orlu LGA at least gets two terms before the position leaves for another LGA. He made the argument that it was not the turn of my Local Government Area to occupy the seat at this time… I understood and respected that position.”
He explained that although he initially intended to contest, he stepped down in respect of the party’s decision and stayed away from the primaries entirely.
He said: “In respect for the party and its leadership, I chose not to proceed to the field, and indeed, I never did. Nobody will say they saw me anywhere around the primaries venue. Infact I did not participate. As I headed straight back to Lagos.”
He dismissed claims linking him to the outcome of the primaries, describing them as misinformation being pushed for attention.
He said: “It is therefore laughable that some misguided elements are attempting to use my name for unnecessary trending and online propaganda.”
He also insisted that his political ambition was self-driven and not owed to anyone, adding that he has no regrets about the process.
He said: “Let me state categorically: I am not indebted to anybody over my aspiration. The aspiration was entirely mine, driven by my personal conviction and desire to serve.”
Reaffirming his loyalty to the APC and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, he pledged continued support for the party’s agenda.
He said: “The APC remains my party, today and always. I remain loyal and committed to the ideals and leadership of our great party. And on the Asiwaju mandate, we stand firmly and unapologetically.”
He concluded with a sharp message to critics, saying: “Meanwhile I Dey enter studio. All of una wey dey talk rubbish una go hear from me in a bit. Umu Bingo.”
