Former APGA presidential candidate quits party and politics

Justice Prof. Peter Umeadi has resigned from the All Progressives Grand Alliance and withdrawn from all partisan politics in Nigeria, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate announced.

The decision marks the end of his formal involvement in electoral contests under the platform that fielded him as its standard-bearer during the last general election cycle. Nigeria’s 2023 presidential vote, held in February of that year, saw multiple candidates from established and smaller parties compete in a tightly contested race ultimately won by the ruling party’s nominee.

APGA maintains a strong regional base, particularly in the south-east, where it has governed several states. The party positions itself as an alternative to the two largest national parties, emphasising issues such as good governance and equitable federalism. Umeadi’s departure removes one of its more prominent recent national figures.

The former candidate’s statement, reported by Vanguard Nigeria, indicated that the resignation and exit from politics were final. No further reasons were detailed in the initial announcement.

Umeadi had entered the 2023 presidential contest after a career that included judicial service and academic appointments. His participation reflected APGA’s periodic attempts to extend its influence beyond south-eastern state politics into the national arena.

The development comes more than two years after the election, at a time when Nigerian political parties are already positioning themselves for future cycles. However, Umeadi will no longer be part of those calculations under any party banner.

His exit leaves APGA to reassess its national leadership lineup as it prepares for subsequent electoral contests in Africa’s most populous country.

Based on reporting by Vanguard Nigeria.