ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Young Progressives Party (YPP) has elected Anita Zugwai-Chukwu as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election and unveiled Agenda 469, a political initiative designed to strengthen the party’s representation in the National Assembly ahead of the polls.
The announcement was made during the party’s 3rd National Convention in Abuja, themed “Resetting A Better Future Now,” marking the YPP’s formal entry into the 2027 presidential race amid growing concerns over economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment and governance challenges across the country.
Speaking at the convention, YPP National Chairman, Bishop Amakiri, and the party’s presidential candidate outlined the party’s priorities and called for nationwide mobilisation ahead of the elections.
Amakiri said Nigeria’s future should no longer be left in the hands of ineffective leadership, stressing that citizens deserved a better deal.
“The future of our country cannot continue to be mortgaged by failed leadership, economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment and hopelessness. Nigerians deserve better, and together we must reset the future now,” he said.
A major highlight of the convention was the unveiling of Agenda 469, which the party described as a nationwide political programme aimed at increasing YPP’s presence in the National Assembly and driving reforms through legislative action.
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According to Amakiri, the initiative is rooted in the constitutional principle that the security and welfare of the people remain the primary responsibility of government.
He disclosed that the party would roll out a detailed implementation framework in the coming months and urged party members, youths, women’s groups, professionals and other progressive-minded Nigerians to support the initiative.
The YPP chairman also accused the ruling party of attempting to weaken opposition parties and manipulate democratic institutions for political gain.
“Every effort to manipulate electoral laws and democratic institutions for selfish political gain will fail if Nigerians, the true victims of bad governance, rise to reject such actions through the ballot in 2027,” he said.
Amakiri paid tribute to the party’s founding members and pioneer supporters, noting that their sacrifices and dedication since the party’s registration on June 7, 2017, had sustained the movement through challenging periods.
He reaffirmed the party’s commitment to building an egalitarian society anchored on justice, equity, accountability and people-centred governance, while describing Nigerians as the nation’s greatest asset.
“After nearly three decades of democratic experience in the Fourth Republic, we have learned one fundamental truth: everything rises and falls on leadership. We cannot afford to get leadership wrong any longer,” he added.
In her acceptance speech, Zugwai-Chukwu expressed gratitude to party members and pledged loyalty to the YPP and its ideals.
“The Young Progressives Party is strong because of the strength, commitment and sacrifice of its members.
“Let me state clearly that my personal ambition will always remain secondary to the stability, growth and success of our party. I pledge my loyalty to the YPP, my fidelity to its ideals and my total commitment to the unity of our members across the federation,” she said.
The YPP presidential candidate said Nigerians were seeking transparent, accountable and people-focused leadership and promised to work with party members nationwide to advance those objectives.
“This is a season of testing, but it is also a season of great opportunity. Together, we will navigate it with discipline, wisdom, courage and faith in God,” she stated.
Party leaders at the convention also rallied members around what they described as a long-term strategy to strengthen the YPP’s presence at both the executive and legislative levels as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.