“Defections Won’t Break YPP, We’re Stronger Than Ever” — YPP National Chairman (Video)

The National Chairman and Founder of the Young Progressives Party (YPP), Comrade Emmanuel Bishop Amakiri, has reaffirmed the party’s strength and stability in the face of recent defections, insisting that the exit of some individuals has not diminished the party’s structure or relevance.

Speaking during an exclusive interview on ABN TV’s flagship political program, Political Perspective, Amakiri stated that in a democratic system, political mobility is a constitutional right, and therefore not a cause for panic.

“In a democracy, people have the freedom to move from one party to another. It’s part of our constitution,” he said.

He noted that those who left the YPP recently had little to no impact on its electoral achievements, particularly in Abia State, where the party currently holds two local government chairmanships and multiple councillorship seats.

“If those people were strong, they would have won elections in their areas during the last general election,” Amakiri said.

The YPP leader also singled out Dr. Chima Desmond Anyaso, a former deputy governorship candidate in Abia State, stating clearly that his departure from the party is of no consequence.

“He didn’t win any election for the YPP, so his exit is not a big deal,” he said.
“If someone like Nana, who helped the party win two House of Assembly seats, were leaving, then we might be worried.”

Amakiri criticized the trend of politicians switching platforms for selfish gain and hinted that many of them often return when their political expeditions fail.

He also praised the YPP’s internal democracy process, describing the Option A4 method used in primaries as the most credible form of voting.

“You can’t rig Option A4. Everyone sees who you’re voting for. It’s the fairest and most transparent system,” he explained.

Turning attention to Anambra State, Amakiri described it as YPP’s strongest base, having produced a senator, two House of Representatives members, and three members of the State House of Assembly. He confirmed the party’s readiness to contest and retain its seat in the forthcoming by-election in the state.

Reflecting on the passing of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, a former YPP stalwart, Amakiri said:

“Even when Senator Ifeanyi Ubah left for the APC, he said it was just temporary. Sadly, he’s no longer with us. He was a great man, and I pray for his peaceful rest.”

Amakiri announced that YPP’s primary election is scheduled for July 19, though it may be shifted slightly to July 21, the final date permitted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“We don’t hope for any delays, but we are prepared for all outcomes,” he concluded.

The interview offered rare insights into YPP’s internal dynamics, the party’s resilience in Abia and Anambra, and its vision going into the next round of elections.