Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Young Progressives Party (YPP) has officially announced its National Women Leader, Mrs. Anita Zugwai-Chukwu, as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election. The decision was made at the party's third national convention held in Abuja on Saturday, May 30, 2026, where she was adopted unopposed in a move party leaders described as a strategic step to reposition the YPP ahead of the upcoming polls. The convention was attended by national officers, state chairmen, and delegates from across the country.
In her acceptance speech, Zugwai-Chukwu expressed gratitude to the party leadership for the confidence placed in her. “Let me first express my sincere appreciation to the national chairman, the NEC members, and the state chairmen for their visionary leadership, wisdom, and diligence. Your collective efforts made this moment a reality. The YPP is strong because you are strong,” she said. She acknowledged the growing demand among Nigerians for more transparent, accountable, and people-centred leadership. “I am not unaware of the challenges before us as a nation and as a party. Nigerians are yearning for a leadership that is transparent, people-centred, and progressive,” she added.
Zugwai-Chukwu emphasized that her personal ambition would take a backseat to the party’s ideology and collective goals. “As your presidential candidate, my duty is very clear. I will safeguard our party vision and uphold the constitution and work closer with stakeholders and the National Working Committee. To be clear, my personal ambition takes second place,” she stated. She also called on Nigerians, particularly women and youth, to join her movement for justice, security, and prosperity.
Earlier in the convention, YPP National Chairman, Bishop Amakiri, unveiled the party’s strategic roadmap for the 2027 elections, tagged “Agenda 469.” He explained that the initiative aims to strengthen the party’s legislative influence and refocus governance outcomes through the National Assembly. “The objective of Agenda 469 is to take control of the Nigerian Parliament, the very institution where true representatives of the people ought to sit and make laws that directly improve the lives of Nigerians,” Amakiri said. He criticized what he described as self-serving legislative priorities in the country, insisting that the party would champion laws that promote citizens’ welfare and security. “It’s time to stop making laws that are self-serving and start making laws that promote the security and welfare of citizens,” he added.
Amakiri also reaffirmed the YPP’s commitment to its founding principles of service despite the challenges facing opposition parties. He dismissed speculation that the party might collapse its structure into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), describing such reports as unfounded. “To my knowledge, no discussion of that nature has taken place. There is no reason for the YPP to surrender its structure to another party,” he said.
Reflecting on the legacy of late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, who was elected on the YPP platform before his death, Amakiri acknowledged that the loss had affected the party but insisted that the YPP remained focused. “If Senator Ubah had not won the election, perhaps many Nigerians would not have known about the Young Progressives Party,” he said. “We miss him greatly, but we remain focused. Wherever he is, he will be proud of the contributions he made to the party.” He stressed that no general election had been conducted since Ubah’s death, and that the party had consolidated on the gains he made to continue its growth.
Zugwai-Chukwu, who leads the party’s presidential ticket, faces an uphill battle in a competitive political landscape dominated by the APC and various opposition coalitions. However, the YPP has signaled its intention to remain a distinct voice in the 2027 race, championing a platform built on legislative accountability, women’s leadership, and service to the people. With her emergence, she becomes one of the few female presidential candidates in Nigeria’s history, a development that could galvanize women voters and young Nigerians seeking a break from traditional political structures.
As the 2027 election cycle gathers momentum, the YPP will now focus on mobilizing support across the country, building on its existing structures in states where it has previously won legislative seats. The party’s ability to translate its convention enthusiasm into grassroots momentum will determine whether its presidential bid moves beyond symbolism to become a significant force in the upcoming election.
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