Abuja: Mrs. Anita Zugwai-Chukwu has emerged as the sole presidential candidate of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) for the 2027 general elections. Zugwai-Chukwu emerged at the party’s national convention held on Saturday in Abuja, attended by party leaders, delegates, and supporters from across the country.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the National Chairman of YPP, Comrade Bishop Amakiri, reaffirmed the party’s commitment to its founding principles of service despite political challenges and realignments. Amakiri noted that the party had consistently produced credible candidates who had gone on to win elections, emphasizing that YPP remained focused on promoting competent leaders dedicated to serving the people. He stated that public office holders elected on the party’s platform have remained faithful to its mantra of ‘Service to the People’.
Amakiri stressed that the slogan remained the intellectual property of the party and should not be appropriated by other political parties. He highlighted that YPP had produced notable political office holders, including lawmakers and legislative leaders, who had distinguished themselves through effective representation and leadership.
Commenting on the death of former senator Ifeanyi Ubah, Amakiri acknowledged that the loss had significantly affected the party. He noted that Ubah was a strong force who contributed significantly to the party. However, he rejected suggestions that the party had lost relevance, noting that no general election had been conducted since Ubah’s death. Amakiri said Ubah’s electoral successes brought national visibility to YPP and laid the foundation for its growth and recognition.
Amakiri added that the party had consolidated on those gains and continued to make inroads into Nigeria’s political landscape. He expressed that the party missed Ubah greatly but remained focused, and wherever he was, he would be proud of the contributions he made to the party.
The chairman also mentioned that YPP was intensifying efforts to mobilize like-minded Nigerians and strengthen its structures ahead of the 2027 elections. He dismissed speculation that the party might collapse its structure into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the reports as unfounded. Amakiri questioned what achievements of the APC would warrant YPP members abandoning their platform to join the ruling party, adding that his focus remained on the party’s presidential candidate and preparations for the polls.
In her acceptance speech, Zugwai-Chukwu pledged transparent and responsible leadership and called on Nigerians, especially youths and women, to join her movement for justice, security, and prosperity.