Abayomi Arabambi, the South West National Vice Chairman of the Labour Party, has initiated legal proceedings against Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate Peter Obi. Through his legal counsel, Neplus Ultra Attorneys, Arabambi is demanding a public retraction, a formal apology, and ₦50 billion in damages regarding comments made during a podcast interview.
The legal notice, dated July 3, 2026, alleges that Obi falsely claimed Arabambi lacked a physical address. Arabambi’s lawyers, including Anderson U. Asemota, argued that these remarks were malicious and defamatory, painting their client as a person of no consequence or standing. They noted that the widespread dissemination of the interview on television and social media platforms caused significant harm to Arabambi’s public reputation and personal dignity.
The attorneys stated that such comments damaged their client’s standing in both political and social circles. They asserted that as a major political figure, Obi had a responsibility to speak with care to avoid harming the reputation of others. The legal team characterized the incident as a clear case of malice, given the reach of the platform where the statements were aired.
As part of the demand, Arabambi requires an immediate and unconditional retraction and an apology to be broadcast on national television and across major print media, including Vanguard, The Punch, The Guardian, THISDAY, and The Nation. He also demands a written assurance that Obi will cease making similar disparaging remarks in the future.
Failure to meet these requirements within seven days will result in a formal lawsuit seeking monetary damages, a perpetual injunction against further defamatory publications, and legal costs. The legal representatives emphasized that while they prefer a non-litigious resolution, their client is prepared to defend his reputation in court if necessary.
