The Young Progressives Party (YPP) has taken decisive action against one of its prominent lawmakers, Peter Uzokwe, who represents the Nnewi North, Nnewi South, and Ekwusigo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. Uzokwe was officially expelled from the party due to allegations of anti-party activities and gross misconduct, a decision that has sent ripples through the Nigerian political landscape.

The expulsion was formally announced on Monday by Martins Egbeola, the party’s National Publicity Secretary. This declaration followed an emergency meeting of the YPP's National Working Committee (NWC), which convened at the party's National Secretariat in Abuja. The catalyst for this severe disciplinary action was a viral video that circulated widely online, showing Uzokwe openly declaring his support for the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and its candidate, Governor Chukwuma Soludo, in anticipation of the upcoming November 8 governorship election in Anambra State.

In the contentious video, Uzokwe made several startling claims, stating, “YPP is not contesting any election. Did you listen to me? I am the leader of YPP, and my supporters are here with me. In my constituency, I have told them to collapse it for His Excellency Chukwuma Soludo. We are not contesting any election. Even if we contest any, it has to be for Anambra North. So, YPP is not contesting. Only APGA and Soludo are running for this election. I will be home till after the election when His Excellency (Soludo) is returned to office.” These statements directly contradicted the party's stance and objectives, leading to immediate internal condemnation.

The YPP leadership swiftly refuted Uzokwe’s assertions, labeling them as false, misleading, and a deliberate act of sabotage against the party’s interests. Egbeola elaborated on the NWC's resolution, stating, “The National Working Committee ratified the immediate expulsion of Hon. Peter Uzokwe, member representing Nnewi North, Nnewi South, and Ekwusigo Federal Constituency, for gross misconduct in contravention of the party’s constitution on Offences and Sanctions in Section 36(7), Article (b, f & o), page 68, after several petitions and video evidence of anti-party activities.”

Furthermore, the YPP categorically dismissed Uzokwe's claim of being the party’s leader. Egbeola clarified that the position of national leader had been vacant since the passing of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, who was the party’s late national leader. The statement from the NWC underscored this point, noting, “The Party categorically refutes his false claim of being the leader of the YPP. At no time did the Party ratify or appoint him as its leader following the vacation of this position by the late Senator Dr Ifeanyi Ubah.”

The NWC condemned Uzokwe's appearance at an APGA rally, where he made the false declaration about YPP having no candidate in the Anambra State Governorship Election. They described this conduct as not only misleading but also an act of desperation by an individual whose political relevance was perceived to be waning. The party characterized his actions as "gross indiscipline and a deliberate attempt to deceive the public," urging all members and supporters to disregard Uzokwe’s comments and maintain unwavering loyalty to the Young Progressives Party.

The Young Progressives Party, established in 2017, gained significant recognition with the election of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah in 2019, who became its first major officeholder. This expulsion marks a significant moment for the party as it seeks to enforce discipline and protect its image ahead of crucial elections.