Udenwa Sues Kenneth Okonkwo Over Alleged Defamation

By Babatunji Wusu| Former Imo State Governor, Chief Achike Udenwa, has initiated legal action against Kenneth Okonkwo, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), over remarks he allegedly made during a television interview.

The dispute stems from comments reportedly made by Okonkwo during an appearance on Channels Television on June 8, 2026, in which he allegedly linked Udenwa to claims of extorting aspirants seeking elective positions under the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC).

During the interview, Okonkwo reportedly said: “This is why the NDC 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”.

Reacting to the allegations, Udenwa, through his legal representative, Soronnadi A. Njoku, SAN, rejected the claims and commenced legal proceedings. The former governor is demanding a public retraction of the statements, a formal apology and N5 billion in damages over the alleged harm caused to his reputation.

The Udenwa defamation suit adds a new dimension to the controversy surrounding the comments, which have attracted attention within political circles. Legal observers say the case could test the limits of political commentary and public allegations in Nigeria.

Reports also indicate that Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the NDC who was mentioned in the same interview, has similarly taken legal action against Okonkwo over the allegations.

The Udenwa defamation suit is expected to proceed through the courts as both sides prepare to present their arguments. The case has already generated significant interest due to the high-profile figures involved and the potential implications for political discourse.