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 remarks made during a television interview.
Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, also threatened legal action against Okonkwo and indicated that he could seek additional damages if the demands are not met.
In a letter dated June 9, 2026, Obi’s lawyers, led by Alex Ejesieme (SAN), accused Okonkwo of making false and malicious allegations against their client during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme on June 8.
According to the legal team, the comments were subsequently circulated by several media organisations and online platforms.
The lawyers alleged that Okonkwo claimed Obi and NDC leaders in the South-East directed aspirants seeking election into the House of Representatives to pay a N10 million bribe to the party and caucus leaders after paying the prescribed expression of interest fee.
The letter further alleged that Okonkwo claimed there was documentary evidence of the payments, accused Obi of personally compiling the party’s list of candidates from a hotel room, and warned aspirants that Obi would “scam” them.
Okonkwo was also accused of alleging that Obi collected money from Nigerians abroad and engaged in criminal activities alongside other party leaders.
Obi’s lawyers argued that the statements portrayed their client as a person involved in bribery, extortion, fraud, financial misconduct and other criminal acts.
“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 legal team described the allegations as false, baseless and reckless, insisting that they were unsupported by any evidence.
According to the lawyers, the remarks went beyond political criticism and amounted to a direct attack on Obi’s character and reputation.
They demanded that Okonkwo withdraw the statements within seven days, publish an unequivocal and unreserved apology, and ensure that the apology receives the same or greater publicity as the original comments.
The lawyers also demanded the payment of N5 billion as general, aggravated and exemplary damages for the alleged harm caused to Obi’s reputation and public standing.
In addition, they requested a written undertaking that Okonkwo would refrain from making or publishing any further defamatory statements about Obi.
The letter warned that failure to comply with the demands within the stipulated period would leave Obi with no option but to seek legal redress.
“Take notice that should you fail, refuse or neglect to comply with the above demands within the stipulated period, our Client shall be left with no option but to seek legal redress against you without further recourse to you,” the letter stated.
Responding in a statement posted on his X account on Tuesday, Okonkwo dismissed the demand and said he had not yet read 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.
Okonkwo said he would issue a formal response after reviewing the letter.
“I will reply to the letter whenever I have the time to read it later in the day. Please send it here if you have it. 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 stated.
The former spokesperson further suggested that legal proceedings could lead to the disclosure of information he obtained while serving in that role.
“Anyone who decides to sue his former spokesperson for defamation is indeed very unwise,” he added.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
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