A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and Plateau North Senatorial aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Gyang Zi, has withdrawn from the party’s ongoing primary election and demanded N10bn damages over what he described as a defamatory publication declaring him “not cleared.”

In a letter dated May 18, 2026, and addressed to the APC National Chairman, Zi alleged that the party published his name on social media and its official X handle among aspirants not cleared for the primary election without giving any reason.

The letter, signed by Gyang Zi, SAN & Co., was obtained in Jos on Thursday.

Zi said the publication was made despite his payment for nomination and expression of interest forms and his participation in the screening process for the Plateau North Senatorial District primary.

“The publication portraying me as ‘not cleared’ without justification has greatly injured my reputation, subjected me to public ridicule, and destabilised my supporters and political structure across Plateau North Senatorial District and beyond,” the letter stated.

The aspirant said the publication had caused embarrassment to his legal career, political ambition and public standing.

He subsequently announced his withdrawal from the primary election pending what he described as an immediate retraction, public apology and compensation from the party.

Zi demanded N10bn as damages for alleged defamation, reputational injury and emotional distress.

“Failure to comply with this demand within a reasonable time shall leave me with no option than to seek legal redress against the party and all persons connected with the publication,” he said.

The APC had yet to respond to the allegation as of the time of filing this report (TRIBUNE)