LP Chieftain sues Obi for defamation, demands ₦50bn compensation

The National Vice Chairman (South-West) of the Labour Party, Abayomi Arabambi, has demanded a public retraction, an unreserved apology, and ₦50 billion in compensation for defamation from the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, over an alleged derogatory statement made during a podcast interview.

The demand was contained in a legal letter issued by Neplus Ultra Attorneys and signed by Anderson U. Asemota, Peter O. Asimegbe, and Stanley C. Eziefulle on behalf of Arabambi.

The law suit follows comments made by Obi during a recent interview, where he allegedly stated that Arabambi does not have an address.

According to Arabambi’s legal team, the statement is completely false, malicious, and defamatory, contending that it portrays their client as a faceless, illegitimate individual who lacks credibility and standing in public life.

The lawyers stressed that the interview was subsequently circulated across national television stations and multiple digital platforms, exposing their client to widespread public ridicule and professional embarrassment.

“Our client has always maintained a known residential and business address, holds recognized professional and political affiliations within Nigeria, and has never been a person whose whereabouts or identity were unknown,” the notice read

The publication, according to the legal team, heavily damaged Arabambi’s reputation and subjected him to intense public scrutiny. Consequently, the lawyers are demanding an unreserved public apology to be broadcast on national television and published across Obi’s verified social media platforms, alongside full-page apologies in major national dailies.

In addition to the public retractions, Arabambi’s team is demanding the payment of ₦50 billion as compensation for the severe injury caused to their client’s reputation, dignity, political standing, and public image.

The legal team has given Obi a seven-day ultimatum to comply with the demands or face full litigation.