YPP unveils female presidential flagbearer

The Young Progressives Party on Saturday adopted its National Women Leader, Mrs Anita Zugwai-Chukwu, as its sole presidential candidate for the 2027 general election during its third national convention in Abuja.

Zugwai-Chukwu emerged unopposed at the event, which party leaders described as a strategic step towards repositioning the party ahead of the next general election.

She was formally endorsed at the convention attended by national officers, state chairmen and delegates from across the country.

In her acceptance speech, she expressed appreciation to the party leadership for the confidence reposed 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.

Zugwai-Chukwu acknowledged the expectations placed on the party and Nigerians at large, noting that citizens were demanding a more accountable and people-centred leadership.

“I am not unaware of the challenges before us a nation and a party. Nigerians are yearning for a leadership that is transparent, people-centred and progressive,” she said.

She pledged to prioritise party ideology and collective responsibility over personal ambition if elected president.

“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 added.

Earlier in his remarks, YPP National Chairman, Bishop Amakiri, unveiled what he described as a new strategic political roadmap for the party ahead of the 2027 elections.

“As we approach the 2027 general elections, it has become imperative for us to run a strategic and purposeful campaign capable of producing a paradigm shift. It is for this reason that today, we are formally launching a bold national initiative known as ‘Agenda 469,’” he said.

Amakiri explained that the initiative was aimed at strengthening the party’s legislative influence and reshaping 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,” he said.

The party chair criticised what he described as poor legislative priorities in the country, insisting that the party would focus on laws that address 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 stated.

Amakiri also urged party members and support groups nationwide to mobilise ahead of the polls, saying the party remained committed to democratic participation despite challenges facing opposition parties.

“We refuse to be discouraged by the desperate attempts to weaken and destroy opposition political parties in Nigeria… Nigerians deserve better and together, we must reset the future now,” he said.