Ighodalo demands retraction, apology from APC over defamatory allegations

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the September 21 Edo State governorship election, Asue Ighodalo, has demanded a public apology and an immediate retraction of a defamatory video from Mr. Jarrett Tenebe, the Acting Chairman of the Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The demand, conveyed through a “Letter Before Action” issued by the Nigerian law firm Banwo & Ighodalo, accuses Tenebe of making and circulating a video on December 10, 2024, containing false and damaging claims.

Signed by Chinedum Umeche, FCIArb, on behalf of Ighodalo, the letter describes the video as a calculated effort to tarnish the lawyer’s reputation.

The video, widely shared on platforms such as Arise TV, X (formerly Twitter), WhatsApp, and Instagram, accuses Ighodalo of stealing billions and being unfit to hold public office. In it, Tenebe alleges, “Asue Ighodalo will not make such a mistake, because he has stolen billions before.”

According to the letter, Tenebe’s statements imply that: Ighodalo misappropriated public funds amounting to billions of naira. He has been convicted of financial crimes. He is dishonest and incapable of holding public office.

The legal team labeled these claims as “wholly untrue” and a “deliberate attack” on Ighodalo’s integrity, noting that the video has caused significant harm to his personal and professional reputation.

The fallout from the allegations has been immediate and far-reaching. According to the letter, Ighodalo has received numerous inquiries from colleagues, business partners, and concerned Nigerians locally and abroad, all questioning the veracity of the claims. The legal team stated, “This development has exposed our Client to great distress, hurt, and humiliation.”

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Highlighting Ighodalo’s unblemished record, the lawyers noted his role as a founding partner of Banwo & Ighodalo, a leading corporate and commercial law firm in Nigeria, and his candidacy in the recent gubernatorial election. They emphasized that Ighodalo has never faced accusations or convictions for any criminal activity in Nigeria or elsewhere.

The letter outlines two specific demands for Tenebe to fulfill within seven days:

Retract the defamatory video and ensure it is widely published. Issue a formal, public apology to Ighodalo.

Failure to comply, the letter warns, will result in legal action at the High Court of Lagos State. “Ignoring this letter may lead to court proceedings being issued against you by our Client without further notice,” the letter cautions.

This incident coincides with the aftermath of the Edo State 2025 Appropriation Bill presentation, during which the governor made controversial remarks. While Ighodalo has no direct involvement with the bill, his legal team suggests that the allegations are a ploy to divert public attention from the governor’s missteps.

The matter also unfolds against the backdrop of ongoing judicial proceedings, where Ighodalo is contesting the outcome of the gubernatorial election.

The episode underscores the growing concern over the use of defamatory content as a political weapon in Nigeria.

Legal experts argue that such actions not only harm individuals but also erode the credibility of public discourse, calling for stricter measures to curb misinformation and protect reputations.

Tenebe has yet to publicly respond to the demands or clarify the motivations behind his claims.