Abia Governor Sues APC Spokesman for ₦5 Billion Defamation
Abia State Governor Alex Otti has filed a ₦5 billion defamation lawsuit against Uche Aguoru, the spokesperson of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state. The governor alleges that Aguoru’s statements falsely accused him of financing a scheme to destabilise the opposition party.
Background of the Allegations
On May 31, 2026, Aguoru published statement that an unnamed businessman — APC member and close associate of Otti, facilitated the transfer of ₦5 billion to unnamed party’s national headquarters. He asserted that part of the sum was intended to create confusion, sow division, and undermine the unity in Abia State.
Aguoru added that the Otti administration of of misusing public funds for political misadventures” than addressing the the needs of residents of the state.
Pre‑Action Notice and Governor Otti, issued a pre‑action counsel, June 3, 2026 & Associates, delivered demanded Aguoru on June 3, 2026, retraction, as well as details of the persons individuals allegedly the alleged ₦5 billion transaction.
Governor’s Position
Otti instituted the suit in his personal capacity, emphasising that the action is not an exercise of his executive powers. He contends that Aguoru’s remarks unlawfully attacked his reputation and necessitated legal redress.
Details of Aguoru’s Claims
According to Aguoru’s May 31 statement, a former APC associate of Otti allegedly paid ₦5 billion to unnamed individuals at the APC national headquarters to destabilise the party in Abia State. He also claimed a portion of the money was given to a frontline APC aspirant to sow division and undermine party unity.
Legal Steps Taken
Following the allegations, Otti’s lawyers, Ken Ahia & Associates, served a pre‑action notice on Aguoru on June 3, 2026. The notice demanded a retraction, an apology, and disclosure of the individuals involved in the alleged transaction, giving Aguoru seven days to comply.
When Aguoru did not meet the demands, Otti proceeded to court, seeking several declarations and orders.
Court Requests
The governor asks the court to declare that Aguoru’s Facebook posts of May 31, 2026, are false, malicious and defamatory. He also wants a declaration that the posts were understood to mean he is corrupt, dishonest, guilty of diverting public funds, political bribery, abuse of office, fraud, judicial manipulation, abuse of state institutions and unfit to hold public office.
Otti seeks an order for Aguoru to permanently delete and retract the disputed posts from his social media platforms, publish an unreserved apology in at least two national newspapers and on Facebook within 30 days of judgment, and keep the judgment pinned on his Facebook page for 30 consecutive days.
Additionally, the governor requests an interlocutory injunction to stop Aguoru and his agents from publishing similar allegations, an award of ₦5 billion in general and exemplary damages, reimbursement of legal costs, and post‑judgment interest of 10 percent per annum on any damages awarded.
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