Abia State Governor Alex Otti has instituted a ₦5 billion defamation lawsuit against the state spokesman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Uche Aguoru, over allegations linking him to an alleged plot to destabilise the party in Abia State.
The suit followed claims made by Aguoru in a statement issued on May 31, 2026, in which he alleged that an unnamed businessman, described as a former APC member and close associate of Governor Otti, was allegedly used to channel ₦5 billion to unnamed individuals at the APC national headquarters as part of a plan to create divisions within the party.
Aguoru further alleged that part of the money was allegedly given to a frontline APC aspirant with the objective of creating confusion and undermining the unity of the party.
Governor Otti, through his lawyers, subsequently issued a pre-action notice demanding that the APC spokesman retract the allegations, apologise and provide details supporting the claims.
According to court documents reported by Premium Times, the demands were not met within the stipulated period, prompting the governor to approach the Abia State High Court in Umuahia.
The suit was reportedly filed on July 3, 2026.
Otti says allegations damaged his reputation
In the lawsuit, Otti maintained that the publications were false, malicious and defamatory and had unlawfully damaged his reputation.
The governor is asking the court to declare that the statements were defamatory and capable of conveying the impression that he was involved in corruption, diversion of public funds, political bribery, abuse of office, fraud and other misconduct.
He is also seeking an order compelling Aguoru to permanently delete and retract the publications from his social media platforms and publish an unreserved apology in at least two national newspapers and on Facebook.
Otti further wants the court to restrain the APC spokesman from making further publications containing the same or similar allegations against him.
Why the ₦5bn claim matters
Beyond the monetary claim, the lawsuit has potentially significant political implications.
Governor Otti remains a member of the Labour Party, while the allegations emerged within the context of political manoeuvring surrounding the APC in Abia ahead of the 2027 elections.
The governor has therefore chosen to challenge the allegations in court rather than allow them to remain unanswered in the public space.
Importantly, the allegations against Otti contained in Aguoru’s statement remain allegations and have not been established by a court. The lawsuit itself is also yet to be determined on its merits.
The case could consequently become an important legal and political battle in Abia, particularly as political parties and their prospective candidates intensify preparations for the 2027 elections.
Headlineswave will continue to follow the case and report developments as they emerge.
