Protest: Obi writes Onanuga, demands retraction of allegation

Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 General Elections, has threatened to sue Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy to the President, over accusations linking him to a planned “EndBadGovernance” protest.

Obi, through his legal counsel, Chief Alex Ejesieme, SAN, has demanded a retraction of Onanuga’s “wild allegation” and an apology within 72 hours. The allegation, published on social media and widely circulated, claims that Obi’s supporters are behind the planned mass protest in August, a statement which Obi argues has severely damaged his reputation.

In a letter from MADIBA Chambers, Obi’s counsel stated that the publication has not only maligned Obi’s character but also caused significant emotional distress. Obi’s lawyer emphasized, “The demeaning and scandalous publication has caused serious emotional injury to our client, given his decades of stellar stewardship in private and public life.”

The letter demands an unreserved apology in four national dailies and on Onanuga’s verified X account. Additionally, Obi is seeking N5 billion in damages for the embarrassment caused to him and his family.

The letter warns that failure to meet these demands will result in legal action for defamation and libel against Onanuga.