The National Chairman and Founder of the Young Progressives Party (YPP), Comrade Emmanuel Bishop Amakiri, has taken a swipe at former Abia State deputy governorship candidate, Dr. Chima Desmond Anyaso, following his defection from the party, declaring that his exit poses no threat to the party’s structure or relevance.
Speaking to ABN TV exclusively in Abuja, Comrade Amakiri said Anyaso’s departure is not something that should cause concern within the party, as he failed to deliver any electoral victory during his time with the YPP, including in his own Bende Constituency.
“He didn’t win any election for the YPP, not even in his own Bende Constituency,” Amakiri stated. “So his exit is not a big deal. If someone like Nana, who helped us win two House of Assembly seats, were leaving, then we might be worried. But not in this case.”
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The YPP leader noted that while defections are a normal part of democracy, only those who contributed meaningfully to the party’s success can be considered losses. He said YPP remains firmly grounded in Abia State, holding two local government chairmanship seats and several councillorship positions—none of which, he emphasized, came through Anyaso or other recent defectors.
“In a democracy, people have the right to switch parties. But when those leaving have no electoral value or tangible contribution, it doesn’t shake us,” Amakiri added.
He accused some politicians of constantly jumping from one party to another in pursuit of personal ambition rather than genuine service.
Amakiri also praised YPP’s transparent internal democratic process, especially the adoption of Option A4, which he described as the most open and credible method of party primaries.
“You can’t rig Option A4. Everyone sees who you are voting for. It’s the fairest and most transparent system,” he said.
Highlighting YPP’s stronghold in Anambra State, Amakiri noted that the party has produced a senator, two members of the House of Representatives, and three state lawmakers. He assured that YPP is prepared to retain its seat in the upcoming Anambra by-election.
He also paid tribute to the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, describing him as “a great man whose legacy in the YPP will not be forgotten.”
The party’s primary for the Anambra by-election is scheduled for July 19, though Amakiri hinted that it may shift to July 21—the last day permitted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
