The Young Progressives Party (YPP) has said its former presidential candidate, Anita Zugwai-Chukwu, withdrew from the 2027 presidential race because of concerns raised by her family over the security situation in the country.
The party disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday by its National Publicity Secretary, Egbeola Wale-Martins, amid speculation over the circumstances surrounding Chukwu’s withdrawal.
According to the YPP, Chukwu formally communicated her decision to the party leadership in a letter dated August 12, 2026.
Chukwu had emerged as the party’s presidential candidate at its 3rd Elective National Convention and Presidential Primary held on May 30, 2026. She was earlier described as the party’s first female presidential candidate for the 2027 election.
The party said Chukwu reconsidered her participation after consulting members of her immediate and extended family.
It said the family’s concerns centred on the prevailing security situation in several parts of Nigeria, particularly the extensive travelling, movement and public exposure that would be required during a nationwide presidential campaign.
“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 party said.
YPP stressed that Chukwu’s decision was voluntary and was not the result of pressure, intimidation or coercion from the party or any individual.
The party said it subsequently attempted to replace her with another qualified female aspirant but was unable to achieve that objective.
As a result, it conducted a fresh presidential substitution primary on Friday, August 21, 2026, which produced Peter Agada as its new presidential candidate after he was affirmed by party members, according to the statement.
The party said Chukwu remained an important member of the YPP and that her withdrawal did not diminish its appreciation of her contributions to the party.
YPP also rejected suggestions that her decision contradicted its commitment to gender inclusion.
The party said it remained committed to providing opportunities for qualified Nigerians, irrespective of gender, to participate in politics and contribute to national development.
Chukwu’s withdrawal came less than three months after she emerged as the YPP presidential candidate. In June, she had said her priorities would include economic reforms, tackling insecurity and unemployment, as well as reforming Nigeria’s justice system.
The YPP urged its supporters and the public to disregard what it described as rumours and misleading narratives concerning the former candidate’s decision to withdraw from the 2027 presidential contest.
