APC Candidate Gyang Zi Withdraws from Plateau North Primary, Seeks N10 bn in Damages

For an alleged defamatory statement declaring him “not cleared,” Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Plateau North senatorial aspirant Gyang Zi has withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary, demanding N10 billion in damages.

In a letter to the APC National Chairman dated 18 May 2026, Zi claimed the party posted his name on social media and on its official X handle among aspirants who had not been cleared for the primary, without providing any reason.

He noted that the publication occurred despite him having paid for nomination and expression of interest forms and having participated in the screening process for the Plateau North senatorial district primary.

Zi said the portrayal of him as “not cleared” without justification had severely damaged his reputation, subjected him to public ridicule, and destabilised his supporters and political structure across the Plateau North senatorial district and beyond.

According to the letter, “The publication had caused embarrassment to my legal career, political ambition and public standing.”

Pending an immediate retraction, a public apology and compensation from the party, Zi announced his withdrawal from the primary election.

He demanded N10 billion in damages for alleged defamation, reputational injury and emotional distress, stating that failure to comply within a reasonable time would compel him to seek legal action against the party and all persons involved in the publication.

At the time of filing this report, the APC had not responded to the allegation.