A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Kenneth Okonkwo, is in more trouble as former Imo State Governor, Achike Udenwa, filed a N5 billion defamation suit against him over alleged defamatory comment on a national television.
The suit, filed at the High Court of Imo State, Owerri Judicial Division, was served outside jurisdiction to Okonkwo at Ofuluonu, Nsukka, Enugu State.
The Nollywood veteran-turned politician is being sued over statements he allegedly made on 8th June 2026 during Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme.
The specific comment quoted in the suit read: “That is why the NDC has released a statement that it is only the South East caucus of the party that was involved in such problems. Onyema Ugochukwu, Achike Udenwa, Peter Obi and other leaders of South East caucus were busy extorting the South East aspirants.”
According to the former Imo governor, the statement was broadcast live, later published on Channels TV’s YouTube channel under the title “Kenneth Okonkwo Criticizes Peter Obi, Condemns NDC Primaries”, and further amplified on Okonkwo’s verified X account , Facebook and other platforms.
He denied extorting money from any aspirant, stressing that he is currently a member of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC, with no executive role in the party.
According to the statement of claim, Udenwa was never accused of fraud, dishonesty or financial impropriety during his career, played no role in NDC’s 2027 candidate nomination process .
The statement of claim also noted that he has never met Onyema Ugochukwu or Peter Obi to “extort” South East aspirants or has not been charged by EFCC, ICPC, or any investigative agency
The ex-governor stressed that the allegations caused him great injury to his credit and reputation and led to numerous calls from associates seeking explanations.
He is asking the court for a declaration that the statements are false, malicious, baseless and defamatory, N5 billion in general damages for injury to reputation, character, integrity, and political standing, an order for Okonkwo to publish a full retraction and apology on Channels TV, its YouTube, and on X, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube plus 3 national daily newspapers within 30 days, an order to delete and remove all related posts, videos and publications, a perpetual injunction restraining Okonkwo from further publishing similar allegations and N25 million as counsel’s fees, plus costs.
Legal representation for the plaintiff, Chief Soronnadi Njoku, SAN, declared that Okonkwo has 42 days from service to enter appearance, or judgment may be given in his absence.
