The Young Progressives Party (YPP) has clarified the circumstances surrounding the withdrawal of its former presidential candidate, Mrs Anita Zugwai Chukwu, from the 2027 presidential race, saying her decision was voluntary and driven by concerns over the prevailing security situation in the country.
The party, in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Egbeola Wale Martins, said Chukwu was validly nominated as the party’s presidential candidate at its 3rd Elective National Convention and Presidential Primary held on May 30, 2026.
According to the YPP, members present at the convention unanimously voted for Chukwu to fly the party’s flag in the 2027 general election.
The party said her emergence was based on her track record, competence, demonstrated excellence and capacity to implement its manifesto, which it said was anchored on building an egalitarian society where justice, equity, opportunity and prosperity would be accessible to all Nigerians.
However, the YPP said Chukwu subsequently communicated her decision to withdraw from the presidential contest in a letter dated August 12, 2026.
It explained that the former candidate arrived at the decision after consultations with members of her immediate and extended family, particularly over security concerns arising from the extensive travels, movements and public exposure associated with a presidential campaign.
“After careful consideration, she therefore decided to step aside, with the intention of taking advantage of a safer opportunity to serve the country in the future,” the party said.
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The YPP dismissed reports suggesting that Chukwu was pressured or forced to withdraw, insisting that her decision was freely and voluntarily taken.
“The YPP wishes to state categorically that Mrs Anita Zugwai Chukwu’s decision was freely and voluntarily taken. There was no coercion, intimidation, pressure or undue influence from the Party or any individual,” the statement said.
Following her withdrawal, the party said it explored options to replace her with another suitably qualified female aspirant but was unable to achieve the objective.
The party said it refused to compromise its standards by settling for a candidate it considered unsuitable, stressing that competence, capacity, character and commitment to its progressive ideals remained central to its choice of presidential candidate.
Consequently, Dr Peter Agada emerged as the party’s preferred candidate at a Special Presidential Substitution Primary held on Friday, August 21, 2026. The YPP said Agada was duly affirmed through the votes of party members.
The party also rejected suggestions that Agada’s emergence had diminished Chukwu’s contributions to the party, saying it remained proud of her and appreciated her “courage, sacrifice and commitment” to its progressive ideals.
The YPP further reiterated its commitment to inclusion and equal opportunity, saying it does not discriminate on the basis of gender, age, disability or any other status.
It said qualified Nigerians would continue to be given opportunities to participate meaningfully in politics, irrespective of gender.
The party urged its members, supporters and the media to disregard what it described as unfounded rumours and speculative accounts concerning Chukwu’s withdrawal.
It said the YPP remained focused, united and resolute in its determination to offer Nigerians credible, competent and progressive leadership in the 2027 general election.
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