The National Chairman and founder of the Young Progressives Party (YPP), Emmanuel Bishop Amakiri, has stated that recent defections from the party have not weakened its structure or diminished its relevance within Nigeria’s political space.
Speaking during a political programme aired by ABN TV on Thursday in Abuja, Amakiri emphasized that the YPP remains intact and unshaken by the exit of certain individuals, adding that democracy guarantees freedom of association and movement.
“There is no panic in the YPP because of the ongoing defections. People are free to move in a democracy,” Amakiri said.
He noted that those who left the party had minimal impact on YPP’s electoral achievements, especially in Abia State, where the party currently holds two local government chairmanship positions and several councillorship seats.
“If those people were strong, they would have won elections in their areas during the last general election,” he stated.
Amakiri specifically addressed the departure of Chima Desmond Anyaso, a former deputy governorship candidate in Abia State, describing it as inconsequential.
“He didn’t win any election for the YPP, so his exit is not a big deal,” he added.
The YPP leader praised the party’s internal democratic process, citing the use of Option A4 for party primaries as a credible and transparent method.
Turning to Anambra State, Amakiri identified it as the party’s stronghold, highlighting that the YPP currently boasts a senator, two members of the House of Representatives, and three members of the State House of Assembly from the state.
He assured that the party is fully prepared to participate in and retain its seat in the forthcoming by-election in Anambra.
Amakiri also revealed that the party’s primary election is scheduled for July 19, with a possible adjustment to July 21, in line with the final date permitted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
