Anita Zugwai Chukwu, Presidential candidate of the Young Progressives Party (YPP), has withdrawn from the 2027 presidential race following concerns over the worsening security situation in parts of Nigeria.
Egbeola Wale-Martins, the YPP National Publicity Secretary, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, saying Chukwu formally communicated her decision to the party’s leadership in a letter dated August 12, 2026.
The clarification followed what the party described as rumours and misleading reports about the circumstances surrounding her withdrawal.
BusinessDay reports that Chukwu was elected the YPP presidential candidate at the party’s 3rd Elective National Convention and Presidential Primary on May 30, 2026, where members unanimously endorsed her to fly the party’s flag in the 2027 general election.
However, the party said she later reconsidered her decision after consultations with members of her immediate and extended family.
‘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 statement said.
The YPP said her family was particularly concerned about the extensive travelling, movements and public exposure that would come with a nationwide presidential campaign.
According to the party, Chukwu therefore voluntarily stepped aside, while keeping open the possibility of serving the country at a safer opportunity in the future. The YPP also rejected claims that she was pressured into withdrawing.
‘The YPP wishes to state categorically that Mrs Anita Zugwai Chukwu’s decision was freely and voluntarily taken. There was no coercion, intimidation, pressure or undue influence from the party or any individual,’ it said.
Following her withdrawal, the party said it attempted to replace her with another qualified female aspirant but was unsuccessful. It subsequently conducted a fresh presidential substitution primary on August 21, 2026, producing Peter Agada as its new presidential candidate.
The party said Chukwu remained an important member of the YPP and that her withdrawal did not diminish its commitment to gender inclusion. The party urged its supporters and the public to disregard what it called unfounded narratives surrounding her decision.