Amidst the brewing chieftaincy controversy in Anambra State, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah has hinted at Governor Charles Soludo’s unease over his soaring popularity in the run-up to the 2025 gubernatorial election.
The controversy stems from the suspension of HRM Igwe Damian Ezeani, the traditional ruler of Neni, for conferring a chieftaincy title on Senator Ubah, sparking friction within the political landscape.
As reported by MUK TV on Tuesday, it would be recalled that the monarch during the festive season, conferred the title of Odenjinji of Neni on Senator Ubah.
In response to the suspension, Ubah brushed off the incident as a political move, claiming Soludo’s frustration with his rising popularity.
He cited instances of other dignitaries receiving similar titles, questioning the governor’s selective opposition to his own recognition.
“The entire game is all about politics. Soludo is frustrated by my rising popularity. I’m not the only person to receive a chieftaincy title. Former Chief of Army Staff Buratai was honoured within the same period; Vice President Kashim Shettima was also honoured; Mr President was honoured in absentia. Why is my own different?”
In a candid phone interview, the lawmaker added, “The governor is frustrated by my acceptance and popularity; he is jittery about the next governorship election, but I leave him to his conscience.”
The senator’s recent shift from the Young Progressives Party (YPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in October 2023, followed by his subsequent reception into the party, alongside Senator Uche Ekwunife, fuels speculations about a potential alliance challenging Soludo’s grip on power in 2025.
