By Okechukwu Keshi Ukegbu
The political character of the Senator representing Abia South Senatorial District in the Senate, Senator Enyinnaya Harcourt Abaribe generates diverse interpretations. To some, he is the proverbial cat with nine lives. To others He is maverick politician who you cannot interpret his next move. These keep people, including his political opponents, wondering what manner of political characer Enyi Abaribe is.
Recently, in what seems like Abaribe was struggling with his political future- having some issues with All Progressives Grand Alliance( APGA), the party that provided him the platform to the senate position in 2023- his opponents thought it was all over for Senator Abaribe.
He switched camps to African Democratic Congress (ADC)- a coalition that had every prospect of giving the ruling party at the centre , APC, a run for its money in the 2027 elections- but the interplay of both visible and invisible forces stifled such hopes.
In the latest move, which, according to some political pundits, is tagged” master stroke of the master strokes”, Abaribe has switched camps with the ruling Labour Party in Abia State. This keeps his opponents in awe and uncertain of what will become their fate in 2027.
In a captivating and thought- provoking speech, Abaribe declared”Given the uncertainies concerning tbe ADC party with regard to the multiple lawsuits and court judgements, I have today resigned from the ADC and joined the Labour Party effectively immediately.
“This has nothing to do with the leadership and members whom I have enjoyed and will continue to enjoy close and solid relationship.
“It is a tough call, but Leadership means making tough calls in uncertain times”.
Campaigns to dismantle the ” Abaribe phobia” by retiring him politically in 2027 has intensified recently. At every corner, the ranks to undo him politically is garnering momentum. This has equally swollen the ranks of aspirants to Abia South Senatorial District position.
The arguments to dispense him politically very. Some schools of thought are of the opinion that he has overstayed his welcome in the hallowed chambers and should give way to others, especially the younger generations.
Nma Agha Ndigo, as he is fondly called is a politician that thinks far beyond his opponents. His alignment with the ruling Labour Party is a thing of concern to his opponents. As the day breaks, the prospects of Labour Party reasserting its hold in Abia State is clearer. What gives more credence to this assertion is the huge implosion APC, the most viable opposition to Labour Party in Abia State is undergoing.
Abaribe is already a heavy weight coupled with the edge his alignment with the ruling Labour Party will add to his value.
The multimillion question that requires urgent resolution is ” will several efforts from some quarters to unseat and retire Senator Abaribe politically in 2027 still hold water? Only time we tell.
