The National Vice Chairman (South-West) of the Labour Party, Abayomi Arabambi, has demanded a public retraction, apology and N50 billion in damages from Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), over an alleged defamatory statement made during an interview on a podcast.
The demand was conveyed in a letter issued by Neplus Ultra Attorneys and signed by Anderson U. Asemota, Peter O. Asimegbe and Stanley C. Eziefulle on behalf of Arabambi.
According to the letter, the dispute arose from comments allegedly made by Obi during the podcast interview in which he reportedly stated that Arabambi “does not have an address.”
Arabambi’s legal team described the statement as false, malicious and defamatory, arguing that it portrayed their client as a faceless individual lacking legitimacy, credibility and standing in public life.
The lawyers further stated that the interview was subsequently circulated across television stations and multiple digital platforms, exposing Arabambi to public ridicule and embarrassment.
“Our client has had a known residential and business address, maintains professional and political affiliations within Nigeria and has never been a person whose whereabouts or identity were unknown,” the letter stated.
The legal representatives maintained that the publication had caused significant damage to Arabambi’s reputation, dignity and public image.
They consequently demanded an unreserved public apology to be broadcast on national television, published on Obi’s verified social media platforms and carried as full-page apologies in national newspapers.
“In addition, we demand the payment of N50 billion as compensation for injury to our client’s reputation, dignity, political standing and public image,” the lawyers stated.
The letter also gave Obi a seven-day ultimatum to comply with the demands or face legal action.
As of the time of filing this report, Obi had yet to publicly respond to the allegations or the demands contained in the letter.
