Incumbent Batu Pahat assemblyman Najib Samuri has conceded that retaining the Parit Yaani seat in the upcoming Johor state election will be a significant challenge. He faces a straight fight against Ezam Taslim, who is the Amanah vice-chief for Sri Gading and a close aide to Aminolhuda Hassan, the Johor Pakatan Harapan chairman. Najib likened Ezam's candidacy to Aminolhuda himself contesting, given the latter's influence in the constituency. Aminolhuda is the MP for Sri Gading, under which Parit Yaani falls as one of two state seats, and he previously contested for Parit Yaani.