The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has demanded N5 billion in damages and a public apology from actor-turned-politician Kenneth Okonkwo over alleged defamatory statements made during a television interview.
Key Highlights:
- Peter Obi demands N5 billion in damages from Kenneth Okonkwo.
- Legal team accuses Okonkwo of making defamatory allegations during a television interview.
- Obi seeks a public retraction and apology within seven days.
- Lawyers warn of legal action if demands are not met.
- Kenneth Okonkwo dismisses the demand and vows to respond.
- Dispute adds a new dimension to political tensions within opposition circles.
According to a letter dated June 9, 2026, Obi’s legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Alex Ejesieme, accused Kenneth Okonkwo of making false, malicious, and defamatory claims during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme on June 8.
The legal team noted that the statements were subsequently amplified across several media platforms and social media channels.
Allegations at the Centre of the Dispute
According to the letter, Kenneth Okonkwo allegedly claimed that Obi, alongside leaders of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the South-East, informed party aspirants seeking election into the House of Representatives that they were required to pay an additional N10 million beyond the official expression of interest fee.
Obi’s lawyers further alleged that Okonkwo claimed to possess documentary evidence of such payments and accused the former Anambra State governor of personally compiling the party’s list of candidates from a hotel room.
The legal team also accused Okonkwo of warning party aspirants that Obi would “scam” them, alleging that he collected money from Nigerians in the diaspora and linking him to criminal activities involving other party leaders.
According to the lawyers, the statements portrayed Obi as being involved in bribery, extortion, fraud, financial misconduct, and criminal conspiracy.
Lawyers Describe Claims as False and Malicious
In the letter, Obi’s legal representatives described the allegations as false, baseless, reckless, and defamatory.
They argued that the remarks went beyond legitimate political criticism and constituted a direct attack on Obi’s reputation and public standing.
“The above statements, in their natural and ordinary meaning, and by necessary implication, falsely and maliciously represent our client as a person who demands, solicits, organises and collects bribes; who extorts, defrauds and swindles political aspirants of their money; who is a fraudster, a scammer and a dishonest political actor; and who, in concert with others, is engaged in criminal conspiracy and is actively perpetuating criminality,” the letter stated.
The lawyers demanded that Kenneth Okonkwo:
Withdraw the statements within seven days.
Publish an unequivocal and unreserved apology.
Ensure the apology receives equal or greater publicity than the original allegations.
Pay N5 billion as general, aggravated, and exemplary damages.
Provide a written undertaking not to publish similar statements in the future.
Legal Action Threatened
Obi’s legal team warned that failure to comply with the demands would leave their client with no option but to seek redress through the courts.
The proposed legal action could include claims for damages, injunctive reliefs, retraction of the statements, and recovery of legal costs.
The letter emphasized that legal proceedings would commence without further notice if the demands were ignored.
Kenneth Okonkwo Fires Back
Reacting through a statement posted on his X account, Kenneth Okonkwo dismissed the demand and claimed he had yet to receive or review the letter.
“It has been brought to my notice that there is a letter circulating online from the hypocrite, Peter Obi, and his lawyers that I should pay him N5bn. Hahaha! If Peter Obi is looking for money to campaign, he should privately ask me for assistance, not come from extortion, and I will help him,” he wrote.
The former spokesperson said he would issue a formal response after reading the document.
He also expressed confidence that the matter should proceed to court if Obi’s legal team believes it has a valid case.
“It will be a shame to Peter Obi and his lawyers if they do not take this case to court. I don’t have time or patience for scammers,” he added.
Kenneth Okonkwo further suggested that court proceedings could result in the disclosure of information he obtained while serving as a spokesperson.
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“Anyone who decides to sue his former spokesperson for defamation is indeed very unwise,” he stated.
Political Fallout
The dispute marks a significant escalation in tensions between Peter Obi and Kenneth Okonkwo, who were previously political allies.
Political observers say the legal confrontation could generate wider debate about accountability, political communication, defamation laws, and internal disagreements within opposition political movements ahead of future elections.
As of the time of filing this report, neither party had indicated any willingness to back down from their respective positions.
