Toba Owojaiye ReportingÂ
Ifeanyi Ubah’s political journey took a surprising turn as he reportedly abandoned the Young Peoples Party (YPP) and switched his allegiance to the All Progressives Congress (APC). This abrupt shift occurred merely four days after Ubah vehemently denied any intentions to defect. He had previously extolled the YPP, emphasizing its potential to revolutionize Nigeria and labeling it as the party to challenge.
Ubah initially secured victory in the Anambra South senatorial district election under the YPP banner. The revelation of his departure from the party to join the APC was disclosed by the APC’s national chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, during a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari and elected APC senators on March 25.
Ubah’s statement during a press conference on March 25, prior to his switch, highlights the dynamic nature of politics. He insisted that he remained a member of the YPP, underscoring the party’s role in ushering in a transformative change in Nigeria. However, he also acknowledged the importance of aligning with a progressive group in the Senate and the necessity of not standing alone.
Ubah’s assertion that the YPP was the party to reckon with was reinforced by his electoral success, even in the absence of a party office in any part of Anambra state. Notably, he secured victory with 87,081 votes, surpassing his closest rival, Chris Uba of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who garnered 62,462 votes. This move from YPP to APC, despite earlier declarations, marks a significant development in the political landscape, and the motivations behind it continue to be a subject of interest and speculation.