Former Imo State Governor Achike Udenwa has threatened legal action against African Democratic Congress chieftain Kenneth Okonkwo, demanding N5 billion in damages and a public apology over allegedly defamatory statements made during a recent television appearance.

The ultimatum was issued in a three-page letter dated June 11, 2026, signed by Udenwa’s legal counsel, Chief Soronnadi Njoku (SAN). The correspondence accuses Okonkwo of leveling false allegations that cast the former governor as a criminal who used coercion and violence to unlawfully extort money from political aspirants.

Origins of the Dispute

The controversy stems from an interview broadcast on Channels Television on June 8, 2026. During the program, Okonkwo allegedly linked Udenwa and other prominent South East leaders—including former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and Onyema Ugochukwu—to the financial extortion of individuals seeking elective positions under the Nigerian Democratic Party.

Okonkwo asserted that the party's South East caucus was uniquely responsible for these irregularities. To support his claims, he cited an aspirant, Obunike Ohaegbu, who allegedly provided receipts and documentation of the transactions.

Legal Demands and Ultimatum

Udenwa's legal team stated that the widely circulated broadcast severely damaged their client's international and national reputation, falsely portraying him as someone who abuses his position for personal financial gain.

The former governor has given Okonkwo a seven-day deadline from the date of the letter to fulfill the following conditions:

• Issue a formal, strongly worded letter of retraction and apology.

• Publish the apology in five national daily newspapers.

• Air the retraction during prime-time programming on Channels Television.

• Provide a written undertaking to cease any future defamatory statements.

• Pay N5 billion in compensation for reputational damage.

The letter warns that failure to comply with these terms will result in a lawsuit filed in the Imo State High Court, where Udenwa will seek full financial damages and permanent injunctive relief.

Broader Context

Udenwa is not the only political figure targeting Okonkwo over the broadcast. Peter Obi, the NDC’s presidential candidate and Okonkwo's former employer, has similarly demanded a public apology and N5 billion in damages over the same remarks, warning that the financial penalties could increase if the matter goes to court.

In response, Okonkwo dismissed the legal threats via his social media platform. He subsequently shared digital conversations allegedly exchanged with Ohaegbu to validate his claims regarding the handling of the party's primary selection process.