Politician quits 2027 presidential race
Julius Olajide Filani, a presidential aspirant and member of the Board of Trustees of the Young Progressives Party, YPP, has withdrawn from the party’s presidential primary ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Filani announced his withdrawal on Friday through a statement released by his media team, explaining that the decision was made in the interest of the party’s unity, growth and ability to prepare effectively for the next election.
The former aspirant also cited the challenges involved in organising a nationwide direct primary as one of the reasons for stepping aside.
He noted that the process would require extensive manpower and logistics because the exercise would cover all 774 Local Government Areas and 8,809 wards across the country.
According to the statement, Filani believes that his decision will reduce the pressure associated with the primary and allow the party to focus on producing a suitable presidential candidate for the 2027 election.
He said his decision was not driven by a loss of interest in politics or the YPP.
Rather, he chose to put the party’s wider interests ahead of his personal ambition and plans to remain involved in efforts to strengthen the party ahead of the elections.
Filani, who had previously presented himself as a potential presidential candidate, said he would continue to support the party’s national leadership and structures as preparations for the 2027 polls continue.
His media team described the withdrawal as a decision aimed at protecting the party’s long-term plans and preventing operational difficulties surrounding the primary from affecting its wider political objectives.
The YPP BoT member also said his political plans for Nigeria would remain part of his work, despite his decision not to contest the party’s presidential primary.
He had developed a programme focused on addressing some of the country’s major challenges and plans to continue contributing to national development outside an elected position.
Filani further pledged to continue his humanitarian and philanthropic activities across the country. His initiatives have focused on grassroots support, empowerment and assistance to ordinary citizens.
He said his commitment to helping people would continue regardless of whether he holds a political office, while also promising to work with the party as it builds its structures and prepares for the 2027 general elections.
His withdrawal leaves the YPP with the task of selecting another candidate to represent the party in the presidential election, as political parties begin preparations for the 2027 polls.
