Senator Ifeanyi Ubah’s recent statement linking 80% of Igbo wealth to Bola Tinubu’s legacy in Lagos has ignited widespread conversations, especially as he officially aligns himself with the All Progressives Congress (APC). The importance of his statements within the realm of Igbo politics is worthy of note.
Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, who serves the people of Anambra South, recently made a significant assertion, highlighting that roughly 80% of the Igbo population’s prosperity can be attributed to the impact of President Bola Tinubu’s leadership in Lagos State.
Recall that President Tinubu’s tenure from 1999 to 2007 played a pivotal role in elevating Lagos into Nigeria’s premier commercial center.
Senator Ifeanyi Ubah defects to APC
Ubah conveyed these statements while formally joining the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abuja. He articulated that historically, Igbos have encountered challenges when attempting to align with national political parties, often due to emotional and sentimental factors.
Nevertheless, he underscored President Tinubu’s exceptional political acumen and his ability to empathize with and reassure the populace.
Ubah’s decision to become part of the APC stemmed from his aspiration for the southeast region to be closely associated with President Tinubu’s leadership. He also lauded the appointment of Engr. Dave Umahi as the Minister of Works, recognizing it as a significant milestone for the region.
Abdullahi Ganduje, the national chairman of the APC, voiced his assurance that Senator Ifeanyi Ubah’s defection would empower the party to expand its influence in other southeastern states. He characterized Ubah as a “key political player” and anticipated a political realignment in the region, particularly within the three states that have not yet aligned with the APC.
How Ifeanyi Ubah left YPP
As the only senator representing the Young Progressive Party (YPP), Senator Ifeanyi Ubah formally abandoned his affiliation with the party during Thursday’s Senate plenary. His departure was conveyed in a letter read aloud by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Senator Ubah had been the sole YPP member in the upper house, while the party held two seats in the House of Representatives during the 10th Assembly. This defection marks the first of its kind in the 10th Assembly.
In his letter to his fellow senators, Senator Ubah cited “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for his departure from the YPP. Following the reading of the letter and under the directive of the presiding officer, he was promptly accommodated among the majority members.
This move shifts the Senate’s composition, leaving the APC with 60 senators, while the opposition holds 49 seats in the 10th Senate.