A presidential aspirant and member of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Young Progressives Party (YPP), Julius Olajide Filani, has withdrawn from the party’s presidential primary ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Filani said his decision was taken in the interest of the party’s unity, institutional growth, stability and overall success.

In a statement issued by his media team on Friday, the former aspirant said the decision was also informed by the logistical challenges associated with conducting a nationwide direct primary.

According to him, while the YPP remained committed to democratic transparency, conducting a direct primary across the country would impose significant operational demands on the party.

“As a young, rapidly growing, and deeply grassroots-oriented political movement, the YPP is structurally committed to absolute democratic transparency.

“However, executing a nationwide direct primary across all 8,809 wards and 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs) presents unprecedented human and logistical demands,” the statement said.

Filani said he therefore chose to subordinate his personal ambition to the collective interest of the party, adding that his withdrawal would create room for another qualified aspirant to emerge as the YPP’s presidential candidate.

He said the decision would also help preserve the unity of the party and strengthen its capacity to compete effectively in the 2027 elections.

Filani stressed that his withdrawal should not be interpreted as an abandonment of politics or the YPP, but as a strategic decision to redirect his efforts towards strengthening the party and supporting its leadership, structures and eventual presidential candidate.

“Leadership is never about a position, a seat, or a title.

“True leadership is defined by the willingness to make personal sacrifices for the greater good of the collective,” Filani stated.

The YPP BoT member said he had developed a comprehensive blueprint aimed at rescuing and revitalising Nigeria, but would not allow personal ambition or internal challenges to undermine the broader interests of the party.

“While Hon. Filani possesses a genuine, meticulously designed, and transformative blueprint to rescue and revitalise the nation, he refuses to let internal logistical bottlenecks compromise the party’s overarching trajectory,” the statement added.

The statement described the decision as an indication of political maturity, saying the former aspirant had placed the survival and success of the YPP’s broader vision above his individual presidential ambition.

Filani reaffirmed his commitment to the party and pledged to continue supporting its national leadership and structures as the 2027 elections approach.

He also promised to sustain his humanitarian and philanthropic interventions across the country, particularly initiatives focused on grassroots empowerment and improving the welfare of citizens.

“Furthermore, his celebrated humanitarian initiatives and nationwide philanthropic interventions will continue unabated.

“From coast to coast, Hon. Filani remains deeply committed to uplifting everyday citizens, driving grassroots empowerment, and proving that one does not need an official office to impact human lives positively,” the statement said.