The Young Progressives Party (YPP) has clarified that its former presidential candidate, Anita Zugwai Chukwu, voluntarily withdrew from the 2027 presidential race due to security concerns raised by her family.
The decision followed anxiety over the worsening security situation in several parts of the country and the extensive travels, public exposure, and risks involved in a high-stakes nationwide campaign.
The party made the disclosure in a statement released on Monday, August 24, 2026, by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Egbeola Wale Martins. According to the YPP, Chukwu formally notified the leadership of her withdrawal in a letter dated August 12, 2026, following consultations with her immediate and extended family members.
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The clarification comes amid political rumors and speculative reports surrounding the sudden change in the party’s presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Chukwu had earlier emerged as the sole presidential flagbearer of the party during its 3rd Elective National Convention and Presidential Primary on May 30, 2026, in Abuja. YPP noted that her unanimous endorsement was based on her competence, proven track record, and capacity to deliver the party’s progressive manifesto.
Setting the record straight, the YPP emphasized that Chukwu was neither coerced nor pressured into relinquishing the ticket.
“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,” Martins stated. He added that Chukwu stepped aside while keeping open the possibility of serving the nation at a safer time in the future.
Following her exit, the YPP stated that it explored all options to replace her with another qualified female candidate to maintain gender parity. However, those efforts proved abortive, forcing the party to hold a Special Presidential Substitution Primary on Friday, August 21, 2026.
During the primary, Dr. Peter Agada, a former Labour Party aspirant who recently defected to the YPP, emerged as the new presidential candidate.
The YPP dismissed allegations that failing to replace Chukwu with another woman signaled a retreat from its commitment to gender equity.
“We do not discriminate against anyone on the basis of gender, age, disability or any other status,” the party maintained, reiterating that Chukwu remains a valued member whose contributions to the party’s progressive agenda are highly appreciated.
