Former Governor of Imo State, Achike Udenwa, has initiated legal action against African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain Kenneth Okonkwo over allegations made during a recent television interview.
According to reports, Okonkwo accused Udenwa and other prominent South-East political figures of extorting aspirants seeking elective positions within the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC).
Speaking during the interview, Okonkwo alleged that certain leaders of the South-East caucus, including Udenwa, Onyema Ugochukwu, and Peter Obi, were involved in collecting money from aspirants pursuing party tickets.
Reacting to the claims, Udenwa, through his lawyer, Soronnadi A. Njoku (SAN), demanded an immediate retraction of the statements, a public apology, and ₦5 billion in damages for alleged defamation.
The lawsuit marks another legal challenge for Okonkwo, who is also facing criticism over similar allegations directed at former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi.
Applesbites recalls that Okonkwo had accused Obi and some South-East political leaders of demanding or receiving about ₦10 million from political aspirants in exchange for party nominations. He further alleged financial misconduct and bribery in the distribution of party tickets within Obi’s political camp.
In response, Obi’s legal team rejected the allegations, describing them as false, malicious, and defamatory. The lawyers also demanded ₦5 billion in damages and a public apology, warning that legal action would follow if the claims were not withdrawn.
Speaking on NoireTV, Obi firmly denied engaging in unethical political practices, insisting that his public and political conduct has always been guided by established rules and due process.
“I can never act rascally. I have never been known as someone who operates outside the rules and guidelines,” Obi stated.
He maintained that while individuals are entitled to express their opinions about him, he would never participate in the same practices he has consistently opposed.
“It is easy for anyone to make allegations, but I will never be part of what I have spent years trying to change,” he said.
Obi further argued that if personal enrichment had been his objective, he would have taken advantage of opportunities available during his tenure as governor.
“If I wanted that, I would have done it when I left office as governor and taken all the money like others did,” Obi added.
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