Former Imo State Governor Achike Udenwa has filed a N5 billion defamation suit against African Democratic Congress, ADC, chieftain Kenneth Okonkwo over alleged defamatory remarks made during a national television interview.
The suit, filed before the High Court of Imo State, Owerri Judicial Division, was served on Okonkwo outside the court’s jurisdiction at Ofuluonu, Nsukka, Enugu State.
The legal action stems from comments Okonkwo allegedly made on June 8, 2026, during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme.
According to court documents, Okonkwo was quoted as saying, “That is why the NDC has released a statement that it is only the South East caucus of the party that was involved in such problems. Onyema Ugochukwu, Achike Udenwa, Peter Obi and other leaders of the South East caucus were busy extorting the South East aspirants.”
Udenwa claimed the remarks were broadcast live, published on Channels Television’s YouTube platform under the title “Kenneth Okonkwo Criticizes Peter Obi, Condemns NDC Primaries,” and later shared across Okonkwo’s verified social media accounts.
The former governor denied ever extorting money from any aspirant, maintaining that he is only a member of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, and holds no executive position within the party.
In his statement of claim, Udenwa argued that he had never been accused of fraud, dishonesty or financial misconduct throughout his public career. He also stated that he played no role in the NDC’s 2027 candidate nomination process and had never met Onyema Ugochukwu or Peter Obi to extort any South East aspirants. He further noted that he has never been investigated or charged by the EFCC, ICPC or any other law enforcement agency over such allegations.
Udenwa contended that the statements damaged his reputation and political standing, leading to numerous calls from associates seeking clarification.
He is asking the court to declare the statements false, malicious and defamatory, award N5 billion in general damages, and order Okonkwo to publish a full retraction and apology on Channels Television, its YouTube platform, his X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube accounts, as well as in three national newspapers within 30 days.
The plaintiff is also seeking an order directing the removal of all related publications, a perpetual injunction restraining Okonkwo from making similar allegations in the future, and N25 million as legal costs.
Counsel to the plaintiff, Chief Soronnadi Njoku, SAN, stated that Okonkwo has 42 days from the date of service to enter his appearance before the court, failing which judgment may be entered in his absence.
