Former Imo State Governor Achike Udenwa has initiated a N5 billion defamation lawsuit against Kenneth Okonkwo, an African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain. The legal action, filed in the Owerri Judicial Division of the Imo State High Court, stems from remarks Okonkwo made on June 8, 2026, during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily. During the broadcast, Okonkwo alleged that Udenwa, alongside Peter Obi and Onyema Ugochukwu, engaged in extorting aspirants within the South East caucus of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC).
Udenwa asserts that these claims are entirely false, emphasizing that he holds no executive position within the NDC and played no part in the party’s 2027 candidate nomination process. Furthermore, the former governor noted that he has never faced charges of financial impropriety from agencies like the EFCC or ICPC. He claims the public accusations have severely damaged his reputation and integrity, prompting significant distress and unwanted inquiries from his associates.
As part of the lawsuit, Udenwa is seeking a court declaration that the comments were malicious and defamatory. He is requesting N5 billion in damages, legal fees amounting to N25 million, and a court order mandating that Okonkwo issue formal apologies across television, social media, and national newspapers. Additionally, the plaintiff wants all related digital content removed and a permanent injunction against future defamatory statements. Okonkwo has 42 days to respond to the summons, or the court may rule in his absence.
