Former Imo State Governor, Achike Udenwa, has demanded N5 billion in damages and a public apology from African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain, Kenneth Okonkwo, over comments he described as defamatory.
The demand was conveyed in a three-page letter dated June 11, 2026, and signed by Udenwa’s lawyer, Chief Soronnadi Njoku (SAN).
According to the letter, Okonkwo made allegations during a live television interview that portrayed the former governor as someone who extorted political aspirants through intimidation and coercion.
Udenwa’s legal team argued that the comments, which were broadcast nationally and later circulated by several media outlets and online platforms, seriously damaged his reputation.
The letter stated that the allegations falsely presented Udenwa as a criminal who exploited his political influence for personal financial gain.
The controversy stems from an interview Okonkwo granted Channels Television on June 8, during which he allegedly accused Udenwa and other South-East political leaders of extorting aspirants seeking elective positions under the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
According to Okonkwo, leaders of the party’s South-East caucus, including Udenwa, Onyema Ugochukwu and Peter Obi, were involved in collecting money from aspirants.
He further claimed that one of the aspirants, Obunike Ohaegbu, provided details of the alleged payments and a receipt as evidence.
In response, Udenwa is demanding a full retraction and apology within seven days.
The former governor wants the apology published in five national newspapers and broadcast during prime-time programming on Channels Television. He is also seeking N5 billion as compensation for the alleged damage caused by the remarks.
His lawyer warned that legal proceedings would be initiated if the demands are not met within the stipulated period.
The letter stated that Udenwa has instructed his legal team to seek damages and other appropriate reliefs before a competent court in Imo State should Okonkwo fail to comply.
The development comes days after former Anambra State Governor and NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi, also demanded N5 billion in damages and a public apology from Okonkwo over similar allegations.
Obi had likewise threatened legal action and indicated that the amount being demanded could increase if the matter proceeds to court.
Reacting to Obi’s demand earlier in the week, Okonkwo dismissed the allegations against him and insisted he was merely stating facts.
He also released what he described as WhatsApp conversations between himself and Ohaegbu, claiming the exchanges supported his assertions about events surrounding the party’s primary process.
Okonkwo previously served as Peter Obi’s spokesperson before both men parted ways politically.
