Defamation: Ex-Imo Governor Gives Kenneth Okonkwo 7-Day Ultimatum to Apologise

Former Imo Governor Achike Udenwa has officially demanded a public apology and N5 billion in damages from NDC chieftain Kenneth Okonkwo over comments made during a live television interview, which Udenwa’s legal team says were defamatory and portrayed him as “a common criminal.” The demand comes just days after Peter Obi, former Anambra Governor and 2023 presidential candidate, issued a similar N5 billion defamation notice against Okonkwo over related remarks on the same programme. Udenwa’s legal team has given Okonkwo seven days to comply or face legal action at an Imo State High Court.

The dispute stems from an appearance by Kenneth Okonkwo on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on June 8, 2026. During the live broadcast, Okonkwo alleged that South-East leaders of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) extorted money from party aspirants. He specifically named Achike Udenwa (former Imo Governor), Peter Obi (former Anambra Governor), and Onyema Ugochukwu (NDC chieftain). Okonkwo was quoted as saying, “They were busy extorting the South East aspirants,” adding that an aspirant named Obunike Ohaegbu provided him with a receipt as evidence. The remarks were aired nationally and internationally, then widely republished by online platforms, blogs, and national newspapers.

In a three-page letter dated June 11, 2026, signed by his counsel Chief Soronnadi Njoku (SAN) , Udenwa rejected the allegations as entirely false. The letter emphasized that Udenwa served two terms as Imo Governor (1999–2007) and later as a federal minister, has no corruption case pending against him anywhere in Nigeria or abroad, and has never been accused of extortion, violence, or illegal collection of funds. The letter stated, “Most regrettably, your defamatory statement has greatly injured our client in his credit and reputation and portrayed him as a common criminal who abuses his position for personal monetary gains.”

Udenwa’s lawyers issued a seven-day ultimatum requiring Okonkwo to issue a strongly worded public apology retracting the statements, publish the apology in five national newspapers, air the apology during prime time on Channels Television, provide a written undertaking never to repeat the allegations, and pay N5 billion in compensatory damages for reputational harm. The letter warned, “Take notice that if the above demands are not strictly met within the stipulated time frame, we have his instructions to commence legal proceedings against you in the appropriate High Court in Imo State.”

READ ALSO:

• Islamic New Year: Sultan Calls on Muslims to Observe Muharram Crescent
• 11 Feared Dead as Boat Carrying Mourners Capsizes in Benue
• SERAP Takes NNPCL to Court Over Alleged ₦5.9bn Rebranding Expenditure

This is the second major defamation action Okonkwo faces from the same television appearance. Earlier, Peter Obi also demanded N5 billion and a public apology, alleging that Okonkwo falsely claimed Obi demanded N10 million bribes from House of Representatives aspirants and operated from a hotel room. Obi’s legal team threatened additional damages if Okonkwo fails to comply.

Kenneth Okonkwo, who previously served as Peter Obi’s campaign spokesperson before their political fallout, has publicly rejected both demands. On his X (formerly Twitter) account, Okonkwo mocked the N5 billion claims, dared both Udenwa and Obi to proceed to court, and released alleged WhatsApp exchanges with Obunike Ohaegbu to support his original claims. However, Ohaegbu himself appeared on Channels Television on June 9 to deny Okonkwo’s version of events, stating that he paid N10 million directly into the NDC’s bank account based on instructions from the party’s national secretary, not to any leader personally.

Legal analysts say Udenwa’s demand follows a standard pre-action protocol for defamation in Nigeria. If Okonkwo fails to comply within seven days, Udenwa may file a High Court claim in Imo State, the court could award substantial damages if defamation is proven, and Okonkwo may also face injunctive relief restraining further publication. However, Okonkwo’s public defiance and his release of alleged evidence suggest a protracted legal battle is likely.

In summary, Achike Udenwa demands N5 billion and a public apology from Kenneth Okonkwo over comments made on Channels TV (June 8, 2026) , after Udenwa says he was portrayed as “a common criminal” using violence to extort money. A seven-day ultimatum has been issued by lawyer Chief Soronnadi Njoku (SAN) . Peter Obi made a similar N5 billion demand days earlier. Okonkwo rejects both, dares them to court, and releases WhatsApp “evidence,” although Obunike Ohaegbu has denied Okonkwo’s claim. The next step is likely Imo State High Court if the ultimatum expires.

Defamation: Ex-Imo Governor Gives Kenneth Okonkwo 7-Day Ultimatum to Apologise

Aisha Yesufu Rejected House of Reps Ticket, Said She Was ‘Too Big’ for It – Dickson

The National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Seriake Dickson, has revealed that prominent activist Aisha Yesufu turned down an offer to contest for a seat in the House of Representatives, insisting that the position was beneath her political ambition.

Dickson disclosed this while responding to questions over internal party disputes and allegations surrounding the distribution of elective tickets ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to him, the offer was jointly made by him and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi as part of efforts to accommodate key figures within the party and ensure inclusiveness in its emerging political structure.

“Do you know that Peter Obi and myself offered Aisha House of Reps? You the public, you don’t know,” Dickson said during the media briefing.

“She turned it down. House of Representatives that people are fighting for, she said she’s too big for it.”

The former Bayelsa governor said the public was largely unaware of behind-the-scenes negotiations undertaken by the party leadership to resolve concerns over positions and aspirations among influential members.

Although Dickson did not state when the offer was made, he suggested it formed part of discussions surrounding elective offices in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), where several aspirants have been jostling for party tickets.

His remarks come against the backdrop of reported disagreements within the NDC over the conduct of its primaries and the allocation of tickets ahead of the next election cycle.

Yesufu, a former convener of the Bring Back Our Girls campaign and one of the most visible figures in the Obidient movement, had earlier indicated interest in contesting the FCT senatorial seat under the NDC platform.

She formally declared her ambition on May 6 after defecting from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), saying her decision was influenced by the political and leadership experience she gained while in the party.

However, less than a month later, she withdrew from the race after the NDC reportedly handed the FCT Senate ticket to another aspirant, Amanda Pam, who had been a member of the party before Yesufu’s arrival.

Dickson’s latest revelation provides fresh insight into the internal negotiations that preceded Yesufu’s withdrawal and may further fuel debate over candidate selection and power dynamics within the party as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.

BREAKING: Atiku Picks Amaechi As Running Mate For 2027 Presidential Election

ABUJA — The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has reportedly selected former Minister of Transportation and ex-Governor of Rivers State, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election.

The development, which marks a significant step in the ADC’s preparations for the general election, was confirmed on Saturday by prominent party figures, including the immediate past Chairman of the ADC in Rivers State, Leader Sampson.

When asked whether Amaechi had accepted the vice-presidential nomination, Sampson responded in the affirmative, signaling the successful conclusion of weeks of consultations and negotiations within the opposition coalition.

The emergence of an Atiku-Amaechi ticket comes shortly after a fiercely contested ADC presidential primary election that attracted more than 2.5 million votes from the party’s estimated 3.1 million registered members nationwide.

Atiku secured a decisive victory in the exercise, polling 1,855,787 votes to defeat Amaechi, who garnered 509,397 votes, while businessman and economist Mohammed Hayatu-Deen came third with 180,903 votes.

The primary election, however, was not without controversy. Following the announcement of the results, both Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen expressed reservations about the conduct of the exercise, alleging irregularities and claiming that the process had been skewed in favour of Atiku.

READ ALSO:

• BREAKING: Atiku Picks Amaechi As Running Mate For 2027 Presidential Election
• Senior Lawyers Drag NYSC to Court Over Deployment of Corps Members to Insecure States
• Kidnapped Retired Major General Rabe Abubakar Dies in Bandits’ Captivity

Prior to the primary, Amaechi had repeatedly maintained that he did not obtain the party’s expression of interest and nomination forms to pursue a vice-presidential position, insisting that his ambition was to contest for the presidency.

Political observers had therefore viewed the possibility of an Atiku-Amaechi ticket as unlikely, particularly in light of the disagreements that followed the primary election.

However, a major breakthrough reportedly occurred after Atiku embarked on a reconciliation mission to Amaechi’s residence shortly after the contest. Sources within the party disclosed that the meeting was aimed at healing divisions and strengthening party unity ahead of the 2027 election.

The reconciliation effort was later followed by another high-level meeting involving Atiku, Amaechi, Hayatu-Deen and senior ADC leaders at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja.

During the discussions, Atiku was said to have appealed to his former rivals to set aside their differences and work together in building a formidable opposition platform capable of challenging the ruling party and advancing democratic governance in Nigeria.

According to sources familiar with the meeting, Atiku emphasized that the presidential primary should not be viewed as a battle between winners and losers but rather as a collective democratic process designed to strengthen the party.

The reported acceptance of the vice-presidential nomination by Amaechi is being interpreted by political analysts as a strategic move by the ADC to consolidate support across key regions of the country.

Atiku, a prominent political figure from Nigeria’s North-East, and Amaechi, a leading politician from the South-South, are expected to present a ticket that party leaders believe will enhance the ADC’s national appeal and electoral competitiveness.

The development is also seen as a major boost to opposition efforts ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with stakeholders expressing optimism that the reconciliation between the party’s leading figures will strengthen internal cohesion.

Party officials are expected to make a formal announcement on the Atiku-Amaechi ticket in the coming days.

If officially confirmed, the ticket will set the stage for one of the most closely watched presidential contests in Nigeria’s recent political history.

BREAKING: Atiku Picks Amaechi As Running Mate For 2027 Presidential Election