Political maneuvers unfold as Ifeanyi Ubah’s APC move hints at 2025 gubernatorial bid

Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, the representative of Anambra South senatorial zone in the Senate, recently made a significant move by defecting from the Young Progressives Party (YPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). While this shift was justified with various reasons, many political observers believe it’s primarily aimed at positioning Ubah for the 2025 gubernatorial race in Anambra State.

Ubah’s political ambition is no secret, and he’s made several attempts from different political platforms, including APGA, PDP, LP, YPP, and now, APC. If he chooses to contest for the governorship under the APC banner in 2025, it would mark his fifth attempt from five different parties.

The move also raises speculation about Senator Uche Ekwunife, another prominent political figure who has expressed interest in the Anambra governorship. Ekwunife, the newly appointed Director General of the South East Governors’ Forum, is reportedly considering a move to the APC, supported by key figures like Hope Uzodinma of Imo State and David Umahi, former governor of Ebonyi State.

In response to Ubah’s defection, members of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) criticized him, labeling his move as an act of desperation. Some have pointed out that APC remains a challenging sell in Anambra and noted Ubah’s frequent party-switching, highlighting his inconsistency as a political figure.

While Ubah may have lost the 2021 governorship election, he still wields influence in the Nnewi area and represents the entire Anambra South senatorial zone. The unwritten pact for the rotation of the governorship seat among the state’s senatorial zones further complicates the political landscape. 

The race for the Anambra governorship in 2025 is already heating up, with key players from different parties and regions of the state vying for the coveted position. Ubah’s move to the APC is just one piece of this intricate puzzle, and time will reveal how these political maneuvers unfold in the lead-up to the next gubernatorial elections.