The Young Progressives Party (YPP) has explained that it could not find another suitably qualified female candidate to replace its former presidential candidate, Anita Zugwai Chukwu, after she withdrew from the 2027 presidential race.
The party said Chukwu withdrew following concerns raised by her family over insecurity and the extensive travelling and public exposure associated with a presidential campaign.
In a statement, YPP National Publicity Secretary Egbeola Wale Martins said the party subsequently conducted a Special Presidential Substitution Primary on August 21, where Dr Peter Agada emerged as the new candidate.
The party said it had explored several options to replace Chukwu with another woman but was unsuccessful.
“Following her withdrawal, the Party explored every available option to fill the Presidential vacancy with another suitably qualified female aspirant.
Unfortunately, all efforts in this regard proved abortive,” the party said.
According to the YPP, Chukwu formally notified the party of her decision in a letter dated August 12 after consultations with her family.
The party rejected allegations that she had been pressured to withdraw.
“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.
The party said it remained proud of Chukwu and appreciated her contribution to its progressive agenda.
It also rejected suggestions that the failure to replace her with another woman amounted to discrimination.
“We do not discriminate against anyone on the basis of gender, age, disability or any other status,” the party said.
The YPP urged Nigerians and the media to disregard rumours surrounding Chukwu’s withdrawal and said it remained focused on the 2027 election
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