In a heartfelt plea to his colleagues, Senator Ali Ndume from Borno South has urged the Nigerian Senate to consider allowing the widow of the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah to take over her husband’s seat as the senator for Anambra South Senatorial District. Ndume made this appeal during a special session held in honor of the late senator on Tuesday. Ubah, who was a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), tragically passed away in July at the age of 52 after a brief illness while receiving treatment in a hospital in London.
Until his untimely death, Ubah had been a prominent member of the Senate and served as the chairman of the Senate Committee on Petroleum Downstream. He was known for his political activities and had made significant strides in his career. In the months leading up to his death, Ubah had even switched political parties, leaving the Young Progressives Party (YPP) in October 2023 to join the APC. He had also declared his intention to run for the governorship seat in Anambra State in the 2025 elections. Sadly, this plan was cut short by his passing.
As a result of his death, the Senate has had to make arrangements to fill the position that Ubah once held. Kano South Senator Kawu Sumaila has already been appointed to take over Ubah’s responsibilities as chairman of the Senate Committee on Petroleum Downstream. However, Ndume’s appeal during the session went beyond just filling a position—it was about honoring the late senator’s legacy and ensuring that the Ubah family remained part of the political landscape.
During his speech, Ndume reflected on the tradition of family members continuing the political legacies of deceased senators. He pointed out that in some instances, widows and relatives of prominent politicians have stepped into the roles their loved ones once held. For example, he mentioned the late Chuba Okadigbo, a respected politician, whose widow, Margery, later became a senator. He also referenced the case of Oluremi Tinubu, the current First Lady of Nigeria, who entered the Senate through the backing of the people of Lagos and her husband, President Bola Tinubu, who had served two terms as governor of Lagos State.
Ndume also cited other notable political families, such as the Dafinones and the Obasanjos, where family members carried on the political torch after the passing or rise of influential figures. According to Ndume, these examples show that it is not unusual for political legacies to be continued by family members. His argument was simple: If this tradition had been applied to other families, why should it not extend to the family of Ifeanyi Ubah?
The Borno South senator emphasized that Ubah’s widow, who is around 50 years old, was more than capable of carrying on her husband’s work. He described her as a “wonderful wife” and suggested that she would be a fitting representative of her late husband in the Senate. He made an emotional appeal to his fellow senators, urging them to support the idea of Ubah’s widow replacing him in the Senate. He emphasized that this was not just about filling a seat; it was about preserving the spirit and aspirations of the late senator and ensuring that his vision for the people of Anambra South continued to be represented.
“I appeal to you, Mr. President, and to my distinguished colleagues, that we should support the family in ensuring that the spirit of Ifeanyi Ubah lives on in this chamber,” Ndume said. His words were a call for unity and support, not just for Ubah’s family but also for the people of Anambra South, who had voted for their senator and who, in the wake of his passing, would likely want to see his legacy upheld.
In his speech, Ndume also acknowledged the importance of maintaining the continuity of representation for the people of Anambra South. He pointed out that when someone holds public office, particularly in a position as influential as a senator, their death creates a vacuum that affects not only their family but also the entire constituency. In this context, he argued that the widow of the late senator would be a natural choice to step in, ensuring that the people of Anambra South were still represented by someone who understood their needs and aspirations.
While Ndume’s appeal was aimed at persuading the Senate to consider Ubah’s widow for the vacant seat, it also served as a reminder of the strong political dynasties that have shaped Nigerian politics over the years. Whether through a widow continuing her late husband’s work or children stepping into their parents’ roles, political dynasties have played an influential role in the country’s history. Ndume’s call for continuity was, therefore, part of a broader conversation about the dynamics of Nigerian politics and how family ties often intersect with political careers.
In reflecting on the lives and legacies of prominent politicians, Ndume expressed his admiration for Ubah’s contributions to the Senate and his dedication to the people he represented. He emphasized that Ubah’s death was a great loss, not only to his family but also to the Senate and the country as a whole. The Senate, he said, had lost a valuable member, and the people of Anambra South had lost a senator who had worked hard for their interests.
As the Senate continues to navigate the process of filling the vacant seat, Ndume’s appeal to his colleagues highlighted the importance of honoring the late senator’s memory. It was a call for solidarity, urging senators to put aside any partisan differences and work together to ensure that Ubah’s family was given the opportunity to continue his work.
The suggestion to appoint Ubah’s widow was not just a political proposal; it was a heartfelt plea for compassion and respect for the late senator’s legacy. Ndume’s speech was a reminder of the humanity behind the political process and the responsibility that lawmakers have not only to their constituents but also to the families of those who have served before them.
In the coming weeks, the Senate will likely discuss the future of Anambra South’s representation and whether the widow of Ifeanyi Ubah will be given the chance to fill her husband’s seat. For now, Ndume’s emotional appeal remains a significant moment in the ongoing conversation about the intersection of family, legacy, and politics in Nigeria. Whether or not Ubah’s widow is eventually given the seat, her late husband’s contributions to the Senate and his commitment to public service will not be easily forgotten.
