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Former Imo State Governor, Achike Udenwa, has demanded ₦5 billion in damages and a public apology from actor-turned-politician Kenneth Okonkwo over alleged defamatory remarks made during a live television programme. The demand was contained in a legal letter dated June 11, 2026, and signed by Udenwa’s counsel, Chief Soronnadi Njoku (SAN), who accused Okonkwo of making false statements that seriously damaged the former governor’s reputation.
According to the letter, Okonkwo allegedly claimed during a television interview that Udenwa and other South-East political leaders were involved in extorting aspirants seeking elective positions. Udenwa’s legal team argued that the comments portrayed him as a criminal who unlawfully obtained money through coercion and abuse of influence. The former governor maintained that he has never been accused or convicted of extortion, corruption, or related offences throughout his years in public service and described the allegations as entirely false and malicious.
As part of his demands, Udenwa wants Okonkwo to publish a strongly worded retraction and apology in five national newspapers and also air the apology during prime-time programming on Channels Television. The legal notice further requires Okonkwo to provide a written undertaking that he will refrain from making similar statements in the future. In addition to the apology, the former governor is seeking ₦5 billion in compensation for what he described as severe damage to his character, reputation, and public standing.
The dispute is the latest in a growing legal battle involving Okonkwo and prominent opposition figures. Earlier in the week, former Anambra State Governor and NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi, also demanded ₦5 billion in damages and a public apology over remarks allegedly made during the same television interview. Both politicians have warned that legal proceedings will commence if their demands are not met within the stipulated period, setting the stage for what could become a major defamation case with significant political implications ahead of the 2027 elections.
