By Francis Ekeh

Few days after the former governor of Anambra State and current presidential flagbearer of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) Mr. Peter Obi threatened to sue  former Nollywood actor and politician Kenneth Okonkwo over defamation of character, another top politician and former governor of Imo State Chief Achike Udenwa has ignited a N5bn legal suit against the actor-turned-politician and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC over allegations linked to the nomination process of aspirants in the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

The suit was reportedly filed by former Achike Udenwa in response to comments allegedly made by Okonkwo concerning financial dealings within the party’s internal processes.

The controversy follows an earlier legal threat by NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi, who demanded ₦5 billion in damages and a public retraction over statements Okonkwo allegedly made during a televised interview. Obi’s legal team described the allegations as false, defamatory and damaging to his reputation.

The dispute centres on claims that certain aspirants seeking legislative tickets were asked to make financial payments during the party’s nomination process.

However, one of the aspirants reportedly denied that Obi personally received any funds, maintaining that payments made were directed into the party’s official account.

Okonkwo has publicly dismissed the legal threat and indicated he is prepared to defend his position if the matter proceeds to court.

The development adds another layer to the increasingly public fallout between former political allies ahead of the build-up to the 2027 election cycle.