The Young Progressives Party (YPP), has adopted Mrs Anita Zugwai-Chukwu as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election, with party leaders expressing confidence that she will provide Nigerians with a credible alternative platform ahead of the polls.

Zugwai-Chukwu emerged as the party’s standard-bearer following consultations and endorsements by key organs of the party, including the National Executive Committee (NEC) and state chairmen from across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

In her acceptance speech, the YPP presidential candidate thanked the leadership and members of the party for the confidence reposed in her, pledging to uphold the party’s ideals and work towards its growth and national expansion.

She commended members of the NEC and state chairmen for their commitment to the party.

She acknowledged the challenges confronting the nation and said Nigerians were yearning for transparent, people-centred and progressive leadership.

Zugwai-Chukwu said: “I must first express my sincere appreciation to the National Chairman. Thank you for your visionary leadership and steady guidance throughout this process that is about to commence.

“To the members of the NEC, thank you for your wisdom, diligence, and the confidence you have placed in me. To all the State Chairmen across the 36 states and the FCT, thank you for your grassroots mobilization, your loyalty, and your unwavering support. Your collective efforts have made this moment a reality. The YPP is strong because you are strong.”

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

“As the presidential candidate, my duty is clear. I will safeguard our party’s vision, uphold our constitution, and work closely with the National Working Committee and other stakeholders.

“Let me be clear: my personal ambition takes second place to the stability and growth of the YPP. I pledge my loyalty to the party, my fidelity to our ideals, and my total commitment to the unity of our members across all states.”

She expressed gratitude to party members and supporters across the country, describing the period ahead as a defining moment for both the party and Nigeria.

Speaking at the event, YPP National Chairman, Comrade Bishop Amakiri, said the party remained committed to its longstanding philosophy of service to the people and the promotion of transformational leadership.

According to him, the YPP has consistently produced credible candidates who have won elections and remained accountable to the people.

The chairman cited the party’s achievements in states such as Anambra, Akwa Ibom and Plateau, noting that YPP elected officials had remained faithful to the party’s guiding principle of service.

Amakiri said: “I wouldn’t say there is anything significantly different from what we have always brought to the table. What we have consistently done is sponsor credible candidates who have won elections and fulfilled their responsibilities to the people.

“For instance, in Anambra South, we produced a senator who served the people diligently until his passing. We have remained committed to that trajectory. The same applies in Akwa Ibom and other places. Our elected officials have remained faithful to the YPP’s guiding principle, which is service to the people.”

He emphasized that the party was focused on grooming a new generation of leaders driven by public service rather than personal gain.

The YPP chairman also reflected on the impact of the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah on the party’s growth, describing him as a political force whose contributions significantly enhanced the party’s visibility and relevance.

Amakiri said the party was mobilising like-minded Nigerians across the country and had concluded processes that produced candidates for various elective positions.

He added, “The YPP is committed to nurturing young men and women and developing politicians who are not driven by greed. We are not like conventional politicians. We are reformers. We believe in transformational leadership, not transactional leadership.

“It would be unfair to say that Senator Ifeanyi Ubah’s passing did not affect the party. It certainly did. However, to suggest that his death ended the party’s fortunes would be incorrect.

“There is no doubt that Senator Ubah was a political force and a team player who gave the party significant visibility and prominence. Much of what the party enjoys today stems from the impact of his electoral victory.

“The YPP remains one of the parties to watch in the forthcoming 2027 general elections. We are focused, and I can assure Nigerians that the party has a lot to offer. We have positive ideas, policies and programmes that can move the country forward.”

He stressed that the party’s attention remained fixed on presenting a viable presidential candidate and offering Nigerians an alternative vision for governance.