RismadarVoice Reporters, June 14, 2026
Former Imo State Governor, Chief Achike Udenwa, has instituted a N5 billion defamation lawsuit against African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain and actor-turned-politician Kenneth Okonkwo over comments he allegedly made during a television interview.
The legal action stems from remarks attributed to Okonkwo during an appearance on Channels Television on June 8, 2026, in which he reportedly accused some South-East political leaders of extorting aspirants seeking elective positions under the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC).
According to the claims, Okonkwo alleged that prominent figures within the party’s South-East caucus were involved in activities that disadvantaged aspirants in the region. Among those he mentioned were former Governor Achike Udenwa, former Minister Onyema Ugochukwu, and NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi.
Reacting to the allegations, Udenwa, through his lawyer, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Soronnadi A. Njoku, described the statements as defamatory and damaging to his reputation.
The legal team has demanded an immediate retraction of the remarks, a public apology, and the payment of N5 billion as damages for the alleged harm caused by the publication.
The development comes shortly after Peter Obi also reportedly initiated legal proceedings against Okonkwo over similar allegations, further escalating the dispute surrounding the controversial comments.
