The Young Progressives Party (YPP) has stated that its inability to field a female presidential candidate for the 2027 general election was due to its failure to find another suitably qualified woman following the voluntary withdrawal of its former flagbearer, Mrs. Anita Zugwai-Chukwu.
The clarification was made during a press conference and substitution exercise held on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, where former Labour Party presidential aspirant Peter Agada was formally adopted as the new presidential candidate.
Addressing newsmen, YPP officials explained that Mrs. Zugwai-Chukwu, who is also the party’s National Woman Leader and had emerged as the standard-bearer during the May 30 primary, formally tendered her withdrawal in a letter dated August 12, 2026. Her decision followed extensive consultations with her immediate and extended family.
Dispelling reports that the party pressured her out of the race, the YPP asserted that the decision was entirely hers.
”The YPP wishes to state categorically that Mrs. Anita Zugwai Chukwu’s decision was freely and voluntarily taken,” the party stated. “There was no coercion, intimidation, pressure, or undue influence from the Party or any individual.”
The party further noted that efforts were made to recruit another qualified woman to maintain female representation at the top of the ticket, but those attempts ultimately proved abortive.
Addressing concerns regarding gender inclusion, YPP spokespersons rejected allegations that replacing Chukwu with a male candidate amounted to marginalization, reaffirming the party’s commitment to equal opportunity.
”We do not discriminate against anyone on the basis of gender, age, disability, or any other status,” the statement added, noting that the party remains proud of Chukwu’s courage and service as a vital placeholder during a critical transition period.
During the substitution exercise, former YPP presidential candidate and party stakeholder, Comrade Bishop Amakiri, along with other national leaders, formally welcomed Peter Agada as the party’s new standard-bearer for the 2027 presidential election.
Agada will run alongside his newly named vice-presidential candidate, Ms. Keys, forming a ticket the party describes as a partnership focused on progress and prosperity ahead of the January 2027 polls.
