Arabambi Demands ₦50 Billion From Peter Obi Over Alleged Defamation Claim

According to Ireporter Online, the National Vice Chairman (South West) of the Labour Party, Abayomi Arabambi, has accused the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, of defamation, alleging that recent comments made about him exposed him to public ridicule and damaged his reputation.

Arabambi, in a pre-action notice issued through his legal representatives, claimed that Obi, during a recent podcast interview, stated that he “does not have an address,” a remark he described as false, malicious, and injurious to his public image. The letter, dated July 3, 2026, and signed by counsel from Neplus Ultra Attorneys, demanded an immediate retraction, a public apology, and ₦50 billion in compensation.

The legal team argued that the interview, which circulated widely across television stations and social media platforms including Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp, subjected their client to widespread ridicule and misrepresentation.

They maintained that Arabambi is a known political figure with verifiable residential and professional addresses, insisting that the statement portrayed him as a faceless individual lacking legitimacy and credibility in public life. The lawyers further stated that public reactions to the interview confirmed that the comment was widely interpreted as an attack on his identity and standing.

The letter also accused Obi of failing to exercise caution as a prominent political figure, alleging that the remarks carried both express and implied malice given their wide reach and influence. It added that Arabambi had suffered embarrassment, humiliation, and reputational harm within political and social circles.

As part of the demands, the legal team requested a “clear, unequivocal and unconditional retraction” of the statement, alongside a public apology on the same platform as the original interview, national television, and in major newspapers including Vanguard, The Punch, The Guardian, THISDAY, and The Nation. They also demanded an undertaking that Obi would refrain from making further allegedly defamatory statements.

In addition, Arabambi is seeking ₦50 billion in damages for alleged injury to his reputation, dignity, and public image. The lawyers warned that failure to comply within seven days would result in legal action, including a suit for damages, injunctions, and other reliefs.

The notice further directed Obi to preserve all materials relating to the interview, including recordings, transcripts, and digital records, warning that any tampering could be used as evidence in court. The legal team stated that although their client preferred an amicable resolution, he would pursue legal redress if the demands were ignored.