The struggle for the 2025 governorship contest in Anambra State, Nigeria, appears to have already begun. There has been a recent tussle between the Anambra State government and Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, who is touted as the chosen candidate for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in next year’s election.
Ubah, who decamped from the Young Progressives Party to the APC in October 2023, was conferred with a chieftaincy title, sparking fear and concern among other parties, particularly the ruling party, APGA.
The Anambra State government issued a letter suspending the monarch who bestowed the title on Ubah, accusing him of not seeking clearance before doing so. This move has been seen as an attempt by the governor to whittle down Ubah’s influence.
The APC has called for the reinstatement of the suspended monarch, arguing that it disrespects the state’s traditional institution and will not aid in the peace and development of the state. The party also accused the Soludo administration of witch-hunting Igwe Ezeani. Senator Ubah responded to the situation, stating that the governor was simply playing politics and was frustrated by his rising popularity.
The Anambra State government’s crackdown on traditional rulers who confer chieftaincy titles without clearance may extend to eight other monarchs who carried out similar actions. Some of these monarchs have already started pleading for forgiveness to save their positions.
This early struggle for the 2025 governorship contest in Anambra State demonstrates the political maneuvering and power plays among different parties and politicians. The conferment of a chieftaincy title on Senator Ifeanyi Ubah has ignited tensions and sparked conflict between the Anambra State government and the APC. As the contest draws nearer, the political atmosphere in Anambra State will likely become more heated with rivalries and disputes between politicians vying for power.
