The National Vice Chairman (South-West) of the Labour Party, Abayomi Arabambi, has issued a pre-action notice to the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, demanding a public apology, a retraction and ₦50 billion in damages over an alleged defamatory remark.
The demand was contained in a letter dated July 3, 2026, written by Neplus Ultra Attorneys and signed by Anderson U. Asemota, Peter O. Asimegbe and Stanley C. Eziefulle on Arabambi’s behalf.
The dispute stems from comments Obi allegedly made during a podcast interview in which he reportedly said Arabambi “does not have an address.”
Arabambi’s lawyers described the statement as false, malicious and defamatory, arguing that it portrayed their client as a faceless individual without legitimacy, credibility or standing in public life.
According to the legal team, the interview was subsequently circulated across television stations and several social media platforms, including Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok and WhatsApp, exposing Arabambi to public ridicule.
“Our client has had a known residential and business address, maintains professional and political affiliations within Nigeria and has never been a person whose whereabouts or identity were unknown,” the letter stated.
The lawyers argued that ordinary viewers would naturally interpret the statement to mean that Arabambi was an unidentifiable person with no known residence, no legitimate public standing and someone undeserving of public confidence.
They also claimed that reactions on social media showed many people understood the remark as an attack on their client’s identity and reputation.
The legal team further argued that Obi, as a prominent political figure and presidential candidate, ought to have exercised greater caution before making comments capable of damaging another person’s reputation.
According to the solicitors, the publication was made with both express and implied malice, given the size and influence of Obi’s audience.
They maintained that the statement had caused Arabambi embarrassment, humiliation and reputational damage, affecting his political standing and exposing him to attacks on his integrity.
As part of the demands, the lawyers asked Obi to issue a clear, unequivocal and unconditional retraction within seven days through the same podcast or another platform with similar reach.
They also demanded an unreserved public apology to be broadcast on national television and published on Obi’s verified social media accounts, as well as full-page apologies in Vanguard, The Punch, The Guardian, THISDAY and The Nation newspapers.
In addition, Arabambi is seeking ₦50 billion in compensation for the alleged damage to his reputation, dignity, political standing and public image.
The letter also requested a written undertaking from Obi not to make any further allegedly defamatory statements against Arabambi.
His legal team further directed Obi to preserve all materials relating to the podcast interview, including recordings, transcripts, correspondence, electronic communications and digital metadata, warning that any destruction or alteration of such evidence could be relied upon in court.
The solicitors warned that if Obi fails to comply with the demands within seven days, Arabambi will institute legal proceedings seeking declarations that the publication was defamatory, general, aggravated and exemplary damages, a perpetual injunction restraining further publications, an order compelling a public retraction and apology, interest on any monetary award, and the cost of the suit.
“Our client would have preferred that this unfortunate episode be resolved without recourse to litigation. However, the protection of one’s reputation is a right recognised by law and cannot be surrendered in the face of a false and damaging publication,” the letter stated.
