Abuja, Nigeria – Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has initiated legal action against Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Communication and Strategy. Obi’s lawsuit follows Onanuga’s publication, which he alleges falsely associates him with orchestrating unrest in Nigeria.
According to the legal notice issued by Obi’s legal team, the publication titled “ Re. REVEALED: Peter Obi’s Supporters are the People Planning Mayhem in Nigeria” appeared on Onanuga’s verified “X” (formerly Twitter) account on July 20, 2024. The publication was also shared widely across social media platforms and various online and print media outlets, including Vanguard News, Punch, The Cable, This Day, Tribune, Leadership, and Channels TV.
The lawsuit, spearheaded by Chief Alex Ejesieme, SAN, asserts that the statements made by Onanuga are not only false but also highly damaging to Obi’s reputation. The letter of complaint highlights that the publication suggests Obi is involved in planning nationwide protests and collaborating with extremist groups, allegations which Obi vehemently denies.
Obi’s legal team argues that the publication was intended to malign, humiliate, and defame him, asserting that it has caused significant emotional distress and damage to his public image.
Ejes Gist News reports that the letter demands that Onanuga retract the statement and issue a public apology in at least four national dailies—Vanguard, This Day, Punch, and The Cable—within 72 hours. Additionally, Obi is seeking monetary damages amounting to ₦5 billion for the harm caused by the defamatory content.
Obi has consistently urged his supporters to adhere to the rule of law and has distanced himself from any calls for civil unrest. His legal team contends that the allegations against him are baseless and part of a broader campaign to undermine his credibility and public standing.
If Onanuga fails to comply with these demands, Obi’s legal team has indicated that they will pursue legal action for defamation and libel in a court of competent jurisdiction.
