Cuban Chief Priest’s House of Reps Ambition Sparks Fresh Zoning Debate in Imo

Socialite and businessman Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cuban Chief Priest and linked to the pro-Tinubu City Boy Movement in Imo State, where he serves as State Director, has become the subject of fresh political debate following reports that he has submitted nomination forms to contest for the Orlu/Orsu/Oru East Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives.

The development has reignited conversations around zoning and power rotation within the constituency, particularly after recent remarks by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma urging stakeholders to respect existing zoning arrangements across constituencies in the state.

Political observers note that the federal constituency seat remained in Orsu Local Government Area for about 12 years through former lawmaker Sir Jerry Alagbaoso, whose tenure ended in 2023.

As consultations ahead of the next election cycle gradually intensify, many stakeholders within the constituency believe the current zoning understanding favours Orlu Local Government Area before the rotation eventually shifts to Oru East as part of the area’s longstanding regional balancing structure.

The development has now placed Cuban Chief Priest, who hails from Orsu Local Government Area, at the centre of growing debate among party loyalists, community leaders and supporters across the constituency.

Zoning arrangements have historically played a sensitive role in leadership negotiations across several constituencies in Imo State, particularly in contests tied to representation, equity and regional balance.

While some stakeholders insist that the existing zoning understanding should be respected to preserve fairness and stability within the constituency, others argue that popularity, grassroots acceptance and individual capacity should remain the major considerations in a democratic contest.

The debate is already generating quiet conversations within local constituency structures as stakeholders weigh zoning expectations against influence, acceptability and grassroots appeal.

Although Cuban Chief Priest is widely known for his influence beyond entertainment circles, his reported entry into the race is already generating broader conversations about youth participation and the evolving dynamics of grassroots politics in Imo State.

As consultations and behind-the-scenes alignments continue ahead of the next election cycle, the debate surrounding zoning and eligibility is expected to shape early alignments within the constituency.