The Young Progressives Party (YPP) has doused the controversies surrounding the replacement of its former candidate, Mrs. Anita Zugwai Chukwu, with Dr Peter Agada in the 2027 presidential race saying she voluntarily withdrew and was not forced out.
The party said she formally wrote to withdraw from the presidential race in a letter dated August 12 2026 after subsequent consultations with members of her immediate and extended family.
The YPP in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Egbeola Wale Martins, said
Mrs Chukwu was validly nominated as the presidential candidate of the party at its third Elective National Convention and Presidential Primary held on May 30 2026 where members unanimously voted for her to fly its flag in the 2027 general election.
The statement reads, “Her emergence was not accidental. Mrs. Anita Zugwai Chukwu was nominated on the strength of her impressive track record, demonstrated excellence, competence and undeniable capacity to provide the leadership required to deliver the YPP manifesto, which is principally anchored on the building of an egalitarian society where justice, equity, opportunity and prosperity are accessible to all Nigerians.
“However, following her nomination and subsequent consultations with members of her immediate and extended family, she formally communicated her decision to voluntarily withdraw from the Presidential race to the leadership of the party in a letter dated 12th August 2026.
“According to her, the decision was reached after extensive consideration of advice from members of her family concerning the prevailing security situation in several parts of the country. Particular concerns were raised about the extensive movements, travels and public exposures that would inevitably accompany the campaign activities leading up to the 2027 General Election.
“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 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. Any contrary narrative is unfounded and should be disregarded.
“Following her withdrawal, the Party explored every available option to fill the Presidential vacancy with another suitably qualified female aspirant. Unfortunately, all efforts in this regard proved abortive.
“As a progressive political party committed to offering Nigerians the very best in leadership, the YPP could not compromise its standards or settle for anything less than a candidate with the requisite competence, capacity, character and commitment to the ideals of the Party.
“Consequently, Dr. Peter Agada emerged as the preferred choice of the Party’s members, following the Special Presidential Substitution Primary held on Friday, 21st August 2026, where he was duly affirmed through the votes of party members.
“It is important to emphasise that the emergence of Dr. Peter Agada in no way diminishes the place, contributions or accomplishments of Mrs. Anita Zugwai Chukwu within the YPP. The Party remains proud of her and appreciates her courage, sacrifice and commitment to the progressive ideals that brought her forward as our Presidential Candidate.
“The YPP also reiterates unequivocally that we are a party of inclusion and equal opportunity. We do not discriminate against anyone on the basis of gender, age, disability or any other status. Our commitment to inclusive governance is fundamental to our identity as a progressive political party.
“The party will continue to provide equal opportunities for all qualified Nigerians, irrespective of gender, to participate meaningfully in politics and contribute to the building of a better Nigeria.
“We therefore urge members of the public, our supporters and the media to disregard unfounded rumours and speculative accounts regarding the circumstances surrounding Mrs. Anita Zugwai Chukwu’s withdrawal.
“The YPP remains focused, united and resolute in its determination to present Nigerians with credible, competent and progressive leadership in the 2027 General Election.”
Friday Olokor
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