Why our female candidate quit 2027 presidential race — YPP
August 24, 2026 7:47 pm
Former Young Progressives Party presidential candidate, Anita Chukwu
The Young Progressives Party has said its former presidential candidate, Anita Chukwu, voluntarily withdrew from the 2027 presidential race following concerns raised by her family over the security situation in parts of the country.
The party, in a statement issued on Monday by its National Publicity Secretary, Egbeola Wale-Martins, said Chukwu formally communicated her decision to the party leadership in a letter dated August 12, 2026.
The clarification followed what the party described as rumours, speculation and misleading accounts surrounding the circumstances of her withdrawal from the presidential contest.
Chukwu was nominated as the YPP presidential candidate at the party’s 3rd Elective National Convention and Presidential Primary held on May 30, 2026.
According to the party, she emerged after members present at the convention unanimously voted for her to fly the YPP flag in the 2027 general election.
The party said her nomination was based on her track record, competence and capacity to implement its manifesto, which is anchored on building an egalitarian society founded on justice, equity, opportunity and prosperity.
However, YPP said Chukwu later reconsidered her participation in the presidential contest after consulting members of her immediate and extended family.
“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,” the statement read in part.
It added that particular concerns were raised about the extensive travels, movements and public exposure that would accompany a nationwide presidential campaign ahead of the 2027 election.
The party said Chukwu consequently opted to step aside, while leaving open the possibility of serving the country at a safer opportunity in the future.
YPP was categorical that her decision was not the result of pressure from the party or any individual.
“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,” the party said.
Following her withdrawal, the party said it sought to replace her with another suitably qualified female aspirant but was unable to achieve the objective.
The development subsequently led to a fresh presidential substitution primary on Friday, August 21, 2026, which produced Peter Agada as the party’s new presidential candidate after being affirmed by YPP members.
The party said it refused to compromise its standards in selecting a replacement, insisting that its candidate must possess the competence, capacity, character and commitment required to advance its political ideals.
The emergence of Agada, however, does not affect Chukwu’s standing within the party, YPP said, describing her as an important member whose contributions to its progressive agenda remain valued.
The party also rejected suggestions that Chukwu’s withdrawal reflected a departure from its commitment to gender inclusion.
“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,” it added.
The party promised to continue creating opportunities for qualified Nigerians, regardless of gender, to participate in politics and contribute to national development.
YPP urged its supporters, the media and members of the public to disregard what it described as unfounded narratives about the circumstances surrounding Chukwu’s withdrawal.
Dirisu Yakubu is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over a decade of experience covering parliament, politics, and development issues. He specializes in reporting that provides context and insight into legislative and governance matters. Dirisu’s work reflects extensive newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate and impactful journalism.
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