A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Kenneth Okonkwo, has described the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, as a “compulsive liar” while dismissing the defamation suit filed against him.
Speaking on Sunrise Daily on Friday, Okonkwo argued that Obi’s legal action was misguided, insisting that the former Anambra State governor misunderstood the legal basis for defamation claims.
According to him, defamation suits can only be based on statements that have already been made and not on comments a person intends to make in the future.
“Peter Obi is a classless, non-charismatic politician with little knowledge and zero depth,” Okonkwo said.
He alleged that Obi falsely claimed he was being sued over statements he intended to make, insisting that the legal process had already begun before his own public remarks.
Okonkwo said his comments were available on his X account and challenged members of the public to verify them.
“What I said is on my X handle. I only stated that it was unwise for him to sue his spokesperson because, in defending himself, the spokesperson might disclose confidential information. I never said whether such information would destroy him or not,” he said.
He further explained that the pre-action notice issued by Obi’s legal team marked the commencement of the defamation process, arguing that the court proceedings merely seek to enforce demands already contained in that notice.
The lawyer and politician also accused Obi of attempting to undermine influential figures from the South-East.
“I have said it before that Obi wants to destroy every rising star from the South-East,” he said.
Okonkwo questioned why Obi had not taken legal action against other critics, including activist Omoyele Sowore and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who have also publicly criticised him.
Backing Keyamo’s recent remarks, Okonkwo said he agreed with the minister’s description of Obi as someone who “lies like a fish drinks water.”
He maintained that Obi had made false statements against him and urged the former Labour Party presidential candidate to seek better legal advice before pursuing defamation claims.
