Ifeanyi Ubah’s defection makes APC senators 60

The number of the All Progressives Congress (APC) senators in the National Assembly on Thursday increased to 60 following the defection of Ifeanyi Ubah, lawmaker representing Anambra South Senatorial District, to the ruling party.

Ubah was elected on the platform of the Young Progressives Party (YPP).

His defection to APC on the floor of the Red Chamber reduced the number of lawmakers elected on the platforms of minority parties from 50 to 49.

He, however, did not explain what the differences were.

In his letter of defection read by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, Ubah cited irreconcilable differences between him and leadership of YPP for his exit from the party.

He explained that his choice of APC as his new political platform, was borne out of the commitment to good governance, economic development and social progress which the ruling party has demonstrated.

The letter reads: “I am willing to formally notify and inform the Distinguished Senate President and our colleagues of inconsiderable differences between me and the leadership of my party (YPP).

“I therefore resolve to move from the Young Progressives Party (YPP) to the most important party in Africa, the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“As a dedicated politician and representative of my people, this has become exigent at this period of my political career and public service.

“After thorough evaluation of the political landscape in Nigeria particularly, the good works being done by the All Progressives Congress since the emergence of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the president of Nigeria, I have come to realization and conclusion that the All Progressives Congress is better suited to champion the ideals and principles that can move Nigeria forward.

“The APC’s commitment to good governance, economic development and social progress resonate deeply to my own conviction and the alignment of each member on key national issues for achieving the promises of any decent politician and particularly the promises that I made to my constituents to better the lot of all of them.

“I am particularly impressed by the Renewed Hope Initiative of President Bola Tinubu and I have found it necessary to join the trend so as to integrate my senatorial district into the laudable mission of my President.”

The day’s plenary was thereafter suspended in honour of Jelani Danbuga, a member of the House of Representatives, who died on Wednesday.