In what appears to be a move towards strengthening unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC) following the party's primary elections held on May 16, 2026, two prominent sons of Orlu Zone—High Chief Canice M. C. Nwachukwu (OMEOGO), the member representing Orlu/Orsu/Oru East Federal Constituency, and Chief Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest—have resolved to close ranks ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during an interview with journalists, High Chief Canice M. C Nwachukwu described the APC primary election as a healthy contest between brothers, emphasizing that there is no lingering disagreement between himself and Chief Pascal Okechukwu.
According to Nwachukwu, the primary election was merely a political contest in which he emerged victorious, stressing that the outcome has not affected their longstanding relationship.
"We are brothers. The primary election has come and gone, and we have put everything behind us. Chief Pascal Okechukwu remains my brother, and we are committed to working together in the interest of our party and our people," he stated.
The lawmaker disclosed that he and Chief Okechukwu maintained communication even while the latter was abroad, adding that both had agreed to collaborate for the success of the APC in Orlu Zone, Imo State, and beyond. He noted that their shared objective is to secure victory for the party at all levels, including the re-election of Governor Hope Uzodimma as Senator for Imo West Senatorial District and the second-term bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Nwachukwu further revealed that another aspirant in the contest, Prince Joseph Okwara (Akajiugo), is also part of the reconciliation and peace-building efforts aimed at fostering unity among party stakeholders ahead of the general elections.
The federal lawmaker made these remarks during an interactive session with journalists at an APC stakeholders' meeting held on Monday, June 1, 2026, at the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Convention Centre (EIICC), Owerri. The meeting was convened by Governor Hope Uzodimma as part of efforts to consolidate party unity following the primaries.
High Chief Canice M. C. Nwachukwu expressed satisfaction with the spirit of sportsmanship demonstrated by both Chief Pascal Okechukwu and Prince Joseph Okwara, commending them for placing the collective interest of the party above personal ambition.
"I am immensely grateful to my friends and brothers who contested with me for their understanding, maturity, and commitment to the APC. I have spoken with Akajiugo and Chief Priest, and they have assured me of their support and readiness to work together as brothers and loyal party members to secure victory for our party in the constituency," he said.
Describing Chief Pascal Okechukwu as a distinguished son of the constituency, Nwachukwu praised him for his contributions to community development across the area. He noted that Chief Okechukwu's decision to prioritize party unity and progress over personal political aspirations deserves commendation.
The House of Representatives member also applauded other APC aspirants for accepting the outcome of the primaries in good faith and demonstrating exemplary sportsmanship.
While reaffirming his loyalty to the party, he urged all candidates who emerged victorious from the primaries to be magnanimous in victory and accommodate those who did not succeed.
"In every contest, there must be winners and those who may not emerge victorious. What is most important is that the party remains united and focused on achieving its collective goals," he stated.
Reaffirming his commitment to effective representation, Nwachukwu assured constituents that he would continue to deliver quality service and pursue developmental initiatives across the constituency.
He called on the people to support his re-election bid in the forthcoming general elections to enable him consolidate on the achievements already recorded.
Report By Fredrick Njoku