Plateau APC senatorial aspirant quits primary, demands N10bn damages

The Punch Newspaper reports on a significant legal and political development within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Plateau State. Aspirant Gyang Zi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, has taken a drastic step by withdrawing from the senatorial primary and demanding a substantial N10 billion in damages. This action stems from what Zi describes as a defamatory publication by the party, which listed him among aspirants not cleared for the primary election without providing any justification.

Zi's letter to the APC National Chairman details the severe reputational damage and public ridicule he believes the publication has caused, impacting his legal career and political ambitions. The aspirant's demand for a retraction, public apology, and compensation highlights the gravity with which he views the alleged defamation. The article notes that the APC had not yet responded to these allegations at the time of reporting, leaving the situation unresolved and raising questions about internal party processes and candidate vetting.

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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.

This incident underscores the high stakes and intense rivalries often present in Nigerian political primaries. The demand for such a large sum in damages signals a willingness to pursue legal recourse to protect reputation and seek redress for perceived wrongs. As the APC has yet to comment, the public awaits their response to these serious accusations, which could have implications for the party's internal democracy and candidate selection procedures.

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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.