2027: YPP targets 10 states, to field candidates for all positions

…Reaffirms confidence in FCT leadership

By Omeiza Ajayi

ABUJA: The Young Progressives Party YPP has declared its intention to field candidates for all elective positions in the 2027 general elections, including the presidency, following the successful conduct of its State Congress in the Federal Capital Territory FCT.

The congress, presided over by the party’s North Central Zonal Representative, Alhaji Muhammed Kursharki, drew party stakeholders, delegates, youth groups, and supporters from across the FCT and ended with the unanimous re-election of the party’s state executives through a voice vote, in what observers described as a peaceful and transparent exercise.

Representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, including Mrs. Victoria Danjuma and Ms. Angela, monitored the proceedings.

Kursharki was bullish about the party’s trajectory, dismissing any suggestion that YPP was a marginal political force. He said the party has very strong presence in at least 10 states and that should INEC conduct a free, fair and credible election in 2027, the party was hopeful of making inroads in those States or even taking over.

“YPP is not a small party. We have produced a Senator, House of Representatives members, and even a Speaker of a state assembly. In the coming elections, we hope to produce more lawmakers and even governors. We are very strong in at least 10 states right now. If INEC does the right thing, we will win a lot,” he said.

FCT State Chairman Abraham Adedotun, whose executive was returned by affirmation, said the party was determined to offer Nigerians the change they had long demanded.

“YPP is a party for all — not just the youths but the old who are young at heart. We are determined to put smiles on the faces of Nigerians who have been crying for a change. We are building, and one day we are going to make it,” he said.

Adedotun confirmed that despite the obstacles encountered during the FCT Area Council elections, the party had succeeded in putting structures in place and was now ready to contest every major race.

“We are fielding candidates for reps and Senate in the FCT and we are also hoping to field a presidential candidate,” he said.

In his acceptance speech, the re-elected chairman pushed back against the prevailing narrative about Nigerian youth, arguing that the economy rather than character was responsible for their apparent disengagement.

“I do not believe the statement that Nigerian youths are lazy. It is the economy that is making them lazy. I believe we are going to have a president. It may happen now or tomorrow. In as much as we are still in this race, YPP is going to rule this nation. In the next four years of our tenure, we are going to make deep inroads into the grassroots of the FCT,” he said.

The party’s Vice Chairman, Blessing David, who is herself contesting for the FCT Senate seat, said YPP’s entry into the 2027 race was motivated by a genuine desire to provide solutions to the country’s governance deficit.

“We have leaders in this country who do not know what the people need. This is why we want to go there — not to cause chaos but to offer solutions and change the narrative,” she said.

Also speaking at the event, frontline AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency House of Representatives aspirant, Hon. Ugo Young Atakulu commended the conduct of the congress and described it as a reflection of the party’s growing democratic culture.

He called on young people across the FCT to take a more active role in the political process ahead of 2027, stressing that political participation remained one of the most effective ways citizens could influence decisions shaping their future.

The party’s primary elections are scheduled for Friday, 29th May, 2026.

Atakulu noted that Nigeria’s democratic growth depends largely on the emergence of responsive leadership and effective legislative institutions capable of addressing the needs of ordinary citizens.

“The time has come for more competent and people-oriented leadership to emerge. Good governance begins with vibrant representation and leaders who understand the realities of the people”, he said.

Atakulu, who described himself as a businessman and development-minded citizen rather than a conventional politician, stated that his interest in public office is driven by a desire to contribute meaningfully to society and create opportunities for young people.

“I see leadership as service and value creation. The goal should always be to improve the lives of the people and not merely occupy political office”, he added.

As the party prepares for its primary elections this Friday, the aspirant expressed confidence in the party’s internal process and readiness to engage more actively with constituents across the AMAC/Bwari axis.

Some observers at the Congress noted that YPP’s growing activities within the FCT may signal increasing interest in alternative political platforms ahead of the 2027 elections, particularly among young voters seeking greater inclusion, accountability, and grassroots-driven governance.

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