Achike Udenwa Sues Kenneth Okonkwo for N5bn Over Alleged Defamatory TV Comments

Former Imo State Governor, Achike Udenwa, has dragged African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain and Nollywood actor-turned-politician Kenneth Okonkwo to court, demanding N5 billion in damages over alleged defamatory remarks made during a live television interview.

The suit, filed before the High Court of Imo State, Owerri Judicial Division, was served on Okonkwo outside the court’s jurisdiction at Ofuluonu, Nsukka, in Enugu State. The legal action stems from comments Okonkwo allegedly made during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on June 8, 2026.

During the programme, Okonkwo was quoted as saying: “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 court documents, Udenwa argued that the statement was broadcast live, later uploaded to Channels Television’s YouTube channel under the title “Kenneth Okonkwo Criticizes Peter Obi, Condemns NDC Primaries,” and subsequently circulated on Okonkwo’s verified X account, Facebook page and other online platforms.

The former governor firmly denied the allegation, insisting that he never extorted money from any aspirant. He also stated that although he is a member of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), he holds no executive position in the party and played no role in its 2027 candidate nomination process.

Udenwa further maintained that throughout his public career, he had never been accused of fraud, dishonesty or financial misconduct. He also stated that he neither met with Onyema Ugochukwu nor Peter Obi to solicit money from South-East aspirants and has never been investigated or charged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), or any other investigative agency over such allegations.

He told the court that the comments severely damaged his reputation, integrity and political standing, adding that he received numerous calls from associates seeking clarification after the interview gained widespread attention.

As part of the suit, Udenwa is asking the court to declare the statements false, malicious and defamatory. He is also seeking N5 billion in general damages, an order compelling Okonkwo to publish a full retraction and apology on Channels Television, its YouTube platform, as well as on his X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube accounts, in addition to three national newspapers within 30 days.

The former governor is equally requesting an order directing the deletion of all publications related to the allegation, a perpetual injunction restraining Okonkwo from making similar claims in the future, and N25 million as legal costs and counsel’s fees.

Counsel to the plaintiff, Chief Soronnadi Njoku (SAN), stated that Okonkwo has 42 days from the date of service to enter an appearance before the court, warning that judgment could be entered against him if he fails to respond within the stipulated period.