Former Governor of Imo State, Achike Udenwa, has instituted a lawsuit against African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain Kenneth Okonkwo. The suit seeks a retraction, a public apology, and ₦5 billion in damages.
Udenwa alleged that the South East caucus of the party, including figures such as Onyema Ugochukwu, Peter Obi and himself, were involved in extorting aspirants from the region. He claimed that the NDC’s statement highlighted only the South East caucus as being responsible for such problems.
Responding to the allegations, Udenwa’s legal counsel, Soronnadi A. Njoku (SAN), formally demanded that Okonkwo retract his statements, issue a public apology, and pay ₦5 billion in compensation for the alleged defamation.
Meanwhile, Peter Obi has addressed recent criticism from his former ally, Kenneth Okonkwo. During a television interview, Okonkwo accused Obi’s political camp of financial irregularities and bribery related to ticket distribution.
Obi’s legal team dismissed the accusations as false and defamatory, insisting that they constitute baseless claims. They have likewise demanded a retraction, a public apology, and ₦5 billion in damages, warning that a lawsuit will be pursued if Okonkwo fails to comply.
Speaking on NoireTV, Peter Obi rejected allegations that he engages in unlawful or unethical political behaviour. He emphasized that his conduct has always adhered to established rules and guidelines.
“I can never act rascally. I have never been known as someone who operates rascally; I always operate within the rules and guidelines,” Obi stated.
He added that while individuals are free to express their opinions about him, he will not participate in the very practices he has long spoken against.
“It is easy for anyone to say anything against me, but the fact remains that I will never be part of what I am trying to change,” Obi remarked.
The former Anambra State governor also noted that if he had intended to engage in wrongdoing, he would have done so while in office, rather than leaving public service with a clean record.
“If I wanted that, I would have done it when I left office as governor and taken all the money like any other person,” he concluded.
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