Dr. Ugo Young Atakulu has pledged to champion grassroots-focused representation and youth-driven leadership after emerging as the Young Progressives Party (YPP) candidate for the 2027 House of Representatives election in the Abuja Municipal/Bwari Federal Constituency.
Atakulu emerged through a consensus arrangement during the party’s primary held in Abuja on Thursday, where he was returned unopposed following the screening and accreditation of delegates.
Speaking shortly after his emergence, Atakulu said his decision to join the YPP was inspired by his belief that Nigerian youths must take responsibility for changing the country’s political direction.
“The future of Nigeria is in the hands of the youth. The only way we can make a change is when we start from the roots because that is where the problem is,” he said.
The YPP candidate dismissed claims that the party lacked electoral strength, insisting that the party had become a formidable force in Nigeria’s political landscape.
“People think the YPP is not as big a party as other parties, but they are wrong. If you check the records, YPP was number three in the last general elections,” he said.
Atakulu said his campaign would be built around grassroots engagement and what he described as “urban democracy,” a system where constituents would regularly determine legislative priorities through consultations and voting.
“I intend to meet with my people every quarter and they will tell me exactly what their needs are. I will not push my personal agenda; the people will decide what should be done for them,” he stated.
He identified insecurity as one of the country’s major challenges and advocated stronger community-based security structures alongside discussions on state policing.
“I would talk about security for every street and every community, where people are responsible for their own security. I think that helps to reduce insecurity,” he said.
On allegations that lawmakers merely carry out directives from the executive arm of government, Atakulu declined to support such claims.
“That is hearsay. I do not know for a fact that the president instructs lawmakers on what to do, so I cannot speak on it,” he added.
The aspirant also rejected suggestions that his political ambition was backed by godfathers.
“Absolutely not. I am running to serve the people. I do not owe any obligation to anybody,” he said.
Speaking on the conduct of the primary, the YPP Chairman in the Federal Capital Territory, Abraham Simon Adedotun, said the party complied with the guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He explained that Atakulu emerged by consensus as the sole aspirant for the seat, while also expressing concerns over what he described as political interference in past elections within the FCT.
The Abuja Municipal/Bwari Federal Constituency seat is currently represented by Chinedu Obika, who was elected on the platform of the Labour Party before defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
