In 2007, Asiwaju Said If We Formed a New Party, Baba Would Catch All of Us and Kill Us- Chris Ngige

Former Governor of Anambra State and Minister of Labour, Dr. Chris Ngige, recently paid tribute to late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, sharing an intriguing story about his political struggles in 2007. In a video that was shared by SYMFONI TV, Ngige narrated how his path crossed with Ifeanyi Ubah and how the late senator supported him during one of his toughest political battles.

In 2007, after losing his seat as governor and being forced out of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Ngige described himself and others as “political wanderers.” They were founding members of the PDP but were expelled alongside key figures like Atiku Abubakar, leaving them stranded without a political home.

Desperate, Ngige and his allies turned to a smaller party, the Action Congress (AC), instead of forming a new one. According to him, Bola Ahmed Tinubu (Asiwaju) warned them that starting a fresh party would expose them to retaliation from then-President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration. “Baba will catch all of us and kill us,” Tinubu reportedly said, referring to the political dangers they faced.

Despite their efforts, Ngige and others, including Atiku Abubakar, were disqualified from running for office under the AC. Still, Ngige persevered, thanks to encouragement and financial support from Ifeanyi Ubah, who believed he could make a comeback in Anambra.

Ngige later defied critics who doubted the success of what they called a “Yoruba party” in the Southeast. By 2010, he proved them wrong by winning significant victories at the local government level. Reflecting on those times, Ngige praised Ubah for his loyalty and generosity, calling him a unique and influential figure.