The Abia State chapter of the Young Progressive Party (YPP) has vehemently refuted media reports suggesting a merger with the Labour Party. The party responded to claims that its structures had disintegrated, following the purported appointment of its State Chairman, Mr. Chimezie Nelson, as a Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the transition Chairman of Umuahia North LGA, Victor Ikeji.
In a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Bestman Eruba, the YPP clarified that the appointment of the State’s YPP Chairman into the LP-led administration should not be misconstrued as the demise of the YPP in Abia State. Rather, it emphasized that this should be perceived as an individual member’s personal decision.
The YPP explicitly stated that it had no official alliance with the LP and had no intentions of forming one. Mr. Eruba indicated that the State Working Committee (SWC) and the party’s leaders would convene to assess the situation and take necessary actions in response. He urged the party’s members and supporters to disregard the reports of an alliance with the LP, affirming the party’s distinct ideology and principles enshrined in its constitution.
Reportedly, the Chairman of the Abia State chapter of YPP, Mr. Chimezie Nelson, was appointed as a Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Revenue Mobilization to the Mayor of Umuahia North LGA, Victor Ikeji. During his assumption of duty, the party Chairman referred to himself as “one of you,” in an address to other officials of Umuahia North.
During the 2023 general elections, the YPP emerged as a major opposition party to the PDP in Abia, asserting control over the Osisioma political axis of the State and parts of Obingwa LGA. The party’s gubernatorial candidate, Enyinnaya Nwafor, clinched victory in Osisioma during the March 18 polls, while the party also secured the two Osisioma seats in the Abia State House of Assembly.
