In a strategic political maneuver, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, representing Anambra South, has shifted his allegiance from the Young Progressives Party (YPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), stirring speculation about his gubernatorial ambitions for 2025.
Ubah’s defection, formally announced in a plenary session overseen by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, cites the APC’s commendable national leadership, Tinubu’s equitable stance towards Ndigbo, and aspirations for heightened connectivity between his constituency and federal power corridors.
Nonetheless, insiders and analysts are reading between the lines, interpreting this move as a calculated preparation for the upcoming gubernatorial challenge.
Political strategist Paul Ezechi emphasized the timeliness of Ubah’s party switch in light of his known gubernatorial aspirations, highlighting the potential competition posed by Senator Uche Ekwunife.
Rumors suggest Ekwunife is also eyeing the APC, potentially setting the stage for an intense intraparty contest involving Ubah, Ekwunife, and previous candidate Andy Uba.
Daily Post reported that critics, particularly from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), chastised Ubah’s decision, framing it as a desperate ploy. They argue that the APC’s appeal in Anambra remains questionable despite his ambitions. APGA stalwart Chinedu Obigwe dismissed concerns over Ubah’s defection, branding him as a political chameleon and emphasizing the party’s readiness to counter his moves in any electoral battle.
Ubah, undeterred by electoral setbacks, continues to wield substantial influence in the Nnewi region and broader Anambra South, renowned for his robust legislative representation.
This political saga unfolds within the context of Anambra’s unspoken agreement on gubernatorial power rotation among its tripartite senatorial zones, adding another layer to the complex interplay of regional loyalties and political ambitions.
As these dynamics converge, Anambra’s political landscape is set for a seismic shift, with various heavyweights strategically positioning themselves. Amidst this, the citizens anticipate governance that prioritizes their welfare, irrespective of the ever-shifting political allegiances.