Legal Showdown: Otti Slams ₦5 Billion Lawsuit On Abia APC Spokesman

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has filed a ₦5 billion defamation lawsuit against the spokesperson of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Uche Aguoru, over allegations that he funded a plot to destabilize the opposition party.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The suit, filed before the Abia State High Court in Umuahia on July 3, 2026, was instituted by Otti in his personal capacity and not in his official position as governor.

According to the court documents, the governor said the action became necessary after Aguoru allegedly made false and defamatory statements that damaged his reputation.

The dispute stems from a statement issued by Aguoru on May 31, in which he claimed that an unnamed businessman, described as a former APC member and close associate of Otti, facilitated the payment of ₦5 billion to unnamed individuals at the APC national headquarters.

Aguoru alleged that the funds were intended to destabilize the APC in Abia State, adding that a portion of the money was allegedly given to a frontline APC governorship aspirant to create division and undermine the unity of the party.

He also accused the Otti administration of diverting taxpayers’ money to political activities instead of addressing the needs of Abia residents.

Otti Demanded Retraction Before Lawsuit

Before approaching the court, Otti, through his solicitors, Ken Ahia & Associates, issued Aguoru a pre-action notice dated June 3, 2026.

In the letter, the governor demanded an immediate retraction of the allegations, a public apology and the disclosure of the identities of those allegedly involved in the purported ₦5 billion transaction.

Aguoru was given seven days to comply with the demands or face legal action. Following the expiration of the deadline without a satisfactory response, Otti proceeded with the lawsuit.

In his suit, the governor asked the court to declare that Aguoru’s Facebook posts of May 31, 2026, were false, malicious and defamatory.

He also requested a declaration that the publications portrayed him as corrupt, dishonest, guilty of diverting public funds, engaging in political bribery, abusing his office, manipulating the judiciary and state institutions, and being unfit to hold public office.

Governor Seeks ₦5bn Damages

Otti is asking the court to order Aguoru to delete the disputed publications from all his social media platforms and issue an unreserved apology in at least two national newspapers as well as on Facebook within 30 days of the court’s judgment.

He further requested that the court direct the APC spokesman to publish the judgment on his Facebook page and keep it pinned for 30 consecutive days.

The governor is also seeking an interlocutory injunction restraining Aguoru, his agents or associates from making further publications containing the disputed allegations or similar claims against him.

In addition, Otti is asking the court to award him ₦5 billion in general and exemplary damages for the alleged harm to his reputation, as well as the cost of the legal proceedings.

He is also seeking post-judgment interest at the rate of 10 percent per annum on any damages awarded, from the date of judgment until full payment is made.