Ex-Imo Governor demands N5bn and public apology from Kenneth Okonkwo over alleged defamation

By Taiwo Scholarstica

Former Imo State Governor, Achike Udenwa, has demanded N5 billion in damages and a public apology from ADC chieftain Kenneth Okonkwo over alleged defamatory remarks made against him during a television interview.

The demand was contained in a letter dated June 11, 2026, and signed by Udenwa’s lawyer, Chief Soronnadi Njoku (SAN).

According to the letter, Okonkwo allegedly made comments during a live television programme accusing Udenwa of collecting money from political aspirants through coercion and violence. The former governor described the claims as false and damaging to his reputation.

Udenwa said the comments, which were later circulated by media organisations and online platforms, portrayed him as a criminal who abused his position for personal gain.

The controversy followed an interview Okonkwo granted on Channels Television on June 8, 2026. During the programme, he alleged that some leaders of the South-East caucus of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, including Udenwa and Peter Obi, extorted aspirants seeking elective positions in the party.

Okonkwo claimed that one of the aspirants, Obunike Ohaegbu, provided details and receipts of the alleged payments.

However, Udenwa denied the allegations and demanded that Okonkwo publish a retraction and apology within seven days.

He requested that the apology be published in five national newspapers and also aired during prime-time programming on Channels Television.

In addition, the former governor demanded N5 billion as compensation for the alleged damage caused by the statements.

Udenwa warned that if the demands were not met within the stipulated period, he would take legal action against Okonkwo at the appropriate High Court in Imo State.

Meanwhile, Peter Obi, who was also mentioned in the interview, has similarly demanded N5 billion in damages and a public apology from Okonkwo over the same allegations.

Reacting to the demands, Okonkwo dismissed the claims and shared alleged WhatsApp conversations between himself and Ohaegbu on his X account, insisting that the messages support his position.

Okonkwo previously served as a spokesperson for Obi before both men parted ways politically.