Senator Ifeanyi Ubah is the only lawmaker from Anambra State delegation to the National Assembly who retained his seat in the February 25 general elections.
All the other thirteen seats previously occupied by lawmakers elected on the platforms of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) were overrun by candidates of the Labour Party (LP).
Interestingly, Ubah, who is one of the youngest senators in the red chamber, is the only senator elected on the platform of the Young Progressives’ Party (YPP).
Those who lost are members of better-known political parties like the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and the All Progressives’ Grand Alliance (APGA).
PDP- elected senators Stella Oduah and Uche Ekwunife, representing Anambra North and Anambra Central districts respectively, failed to return to the Senate.
In Dunukofia/Njikoka/Anaocha federal constituency, incumbent Rep Dozie Nwankwo who aspired to become senator, lost.
In Idemili North and South federal constituency, Hon. Obinna Chidoka of the PDP lost. In Onitsha North/South federal constituency, ranking PDP lawmaker Hon. Lynda Ikpeazu, lost.
Another ranking PDP lawmaker, Hon. Chuchu Onyema, representy Ogbaru federal constituency, lost.
In Oyi/Ayamelum, Hon. Vincent Ofumelu lost. The same scenario played out in Anambra East/West federal constituency where Hon. Chinedu Obidigwe lost.
In Orumba North/South federal constituency Okwudiki Ezenwankwo lost
The bid by lawmaker representing Aguata federal constituency, Chukwuma Umeoji to become a senator hit the rocks.
A similar scenario played out in Nnewi North/Nnewi South/Ekwusigo federal constituency where the incumbent Representative Chris Azubogu sought to dislodge Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, but crashed out of the senatorial contest.
Not spared was lawmaker representing Ihiala federal constituency, Chudi Momah. for Awka North/Awka South federal constituency, the incumbent, Hon. Samuel Onwuaso of the PDP failed to contest.
A lecturer at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof. Lillian Orogbu of the Labour Party (LP) won the seat for Awka North/South federal constituency.
Commenting, a political scientist, Dr. Chima Ugorji told The Authority that Ubah’s victory demonstrated that the electorate have moved from voting individual performance over party affiliation.
He said, “In general, the February 25 elections threw up a lot of upsets. However, Anambra South senatorial election proved that the masses can tell the performers from the pretenders.
“Ifeanyi Ubah is not your typical noisemaker in the Senate. Obviously, he knows why he’s there, that’s why he spent the better part of his tenure using legislation to help build the people of his senatorial district.
“Look at his party, the YPP. He’s like the sole financier of the party. Yet, he’s been able to make the party stronger to the point theyvey won a seat into the House of Reps. His victory signposts his popularity even beyond Anambra State. He’s a man to watch,” declared Ugorji.