The Young Progressives Party: The Urgency of Coalition Building in Nigerian Politics

(Muhammadu M. Kusherki)

The Young Progressives Party (YPP) has positioned itself as a beacon of hope for a new generation of Nigerian leaders. However, in a political landscape dominated by the All-Progressives Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), parties like YPP must prioritize coalition-building to remain relevant and competitive.

Coalition-building is no longer an option—it is a necessity for YPP’s survival and growth. The party must forge strategic alliances with other opposition parties, civil society groups, and reform-driven politicians to amplify its influence. Without strong coalitions, YPP risks being overshadowed by larger parties with deeper resources and wider networks.

Key benefits of coalition-building include:
•⁠ ⁠Expanding Electoral Reach: Partnering with like-minded parties can help YPP gain traction in regions where it currently lacks influence.
•⁠ ⁠Pooling Resources: Financial and logistical support from allied groups can strengthen campaign efforts.
•⁠ ⁠Enhancing Credibility: A united front against entrenched political structures can boost public confidence in YPP’s ability to govern.

Lessons from the 2019 and 2023 Presidential Elections:
The 2019 presidential election was a defining moment for YPP. Professor Kingsley Moghalu, a former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, emerged as the party’s presidential candidate, running alongside Umma Getso as his vice-presidential candidate. Moghalu’s campaign focused on economic reform, youth inclusion, and governance transparency, earning him support from intellectual circles and reform-minded voters. However, despite his efforts, YPP struggled to compete against the dominant APC and PDP, and Moghalu distanced himself from the party after the election (Young Progressives Party, 2019). Similarly, in the 2023 presidential election, YPP fielded Malik Ado-Ibrahim as its candidate. His campaign emphasized economic transformation and technological advancement, but like Moghalu, he faced challenges in mobilizing widespread support. The absence of strong coalition meant that YPP could not effectively challenge the larger parties, leading to another cycle where its presidential aspirant disengaged post-election (Stears, 2023).

To ensure long-term success, YPP must:
1.⁠ ⁠Engage in Cross-Party Dialogues: Establish communication channels with other progressive parties to explore potential alliances.
2.⁠ ⁠Strengthen Grassroots Mobilization: Build a coalition that includes youth movements, labor unions, and advocacy groups.
3.⁠ ⁠Develop a Unified Policy Agenda: Align with coalition partners on key national issues to present a compelling alternative to the electorate.
4.⁠ ⁠Retain Leadership Beyond Elections: Encourage presidential aspirants and key figures to remain engaged in party activities post-election.

In conclusion; Coalition-building is the key to YPP’s future. Without it, the party risks remaining on the fringes of Nigerian politics. By fostering strategic partnerships and sustained leadership, YPP can position itself as a formidable force capable of challenging the status quo.