Celebrity businessman and social media personality Pascal Chibuike Okechukwu, popularly known as Chief Priest, has announced his intention to contest for the Orsu/Orlu/Oru East Federal Constituency seat in Imo State during the 2027 general elections. He plans to run on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and has already acquired the party’s House of Representatives nomination and expression of interest forms. The announcement has sparked widespread discussion, especially given his status as a prominent figure in Nigerian entertainment and business circles.
Chief Priest’s political ambition comes at a time when several celebrities and influencers are stepping into Nigerian politics, seeking to leverage their public visibility for electoral success. His decision to join the APC adds another high-profile name to the party’s growing list of aspirants in Imo State. While his political experience is limited, his social media presence and brand recognition are seen as potential assets in mobilizing voters, particularly among the youth.
In a recent Instagram story, Chief Priest shared his thoughts on the relationship between social media popularity and electoral success. He argued that politicians who receive widespread praise and support online often fail to win elections, while those who face harsh criticism and abuse on digital platforms tend to emerge victorious. He cited actor and politician Desmond Elliot as an example, noting that Elliot won his election despite facing backlash online. “People wey una dey love for social media no dey ever win election na the ones wey dem dey abuse online na them dey always win,” he wrote.
He further emphasized that online reactions do not reflect actual voting behavior, criticizing what he called “noise” from social media users who engage in free WiFi live sessions and viral content. “Social media candidates no deh ever win. Na noise una get Umu bingo with una free WiFi live sessions. Only Cho Cho Cho zero capacity,” he added, using colloquial Nigerian expressions to drive his point home.
The comments have generated mixed reactions across social media, with some users agreeing that online popularity does not guarantee electoral success, while others question whether Chief Priest’s own online influence will translate into political support. His statement also reflects a broader debate in Nigerian politics about the role of digital platforms in shaping public opinion and election outcomes.
As the 2027 elections draw nearer, Chief Priest’s entry into the political arena is expected to attract attention and scrutiny. His campaign will likely focus on his business acumen and social media reach, as he seeks to build a coalition of voters beyond his digital following. The coming years will test whether his unique profile can bridge the gap between online fame and political victory in Nigeria’s competitive electoral landscape.
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