Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, demanded N5 billion in damages and a public apology from actor-turned-politician Kenneth Okonkwo over allegations he described as defamatory. The demand followed comments made by Okonkwo during a television interview that were later circulated across media platforms and social media.
The dispute began after Okonkwo appeared on a television programme on June 8, where he made several claims concerning Obi and the leadership of the NDC in the South-East. In response, Obi, through his legal team led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Alex Ejesieme, issued a letter dated June 9 accusing the former spokesperson of making false and damaging statements capable of harming his reputation.
According to the lawyers, Okonkwo alleged that members seeking to contest House of Representatives seats under the NDC were required to make additional payments beyond the official expression of interest fees. He was also accused of claiming that documentary evidence existed to support the allegation and that Obi personally handled the selection of candidates.
The legal team further stated that Okonkwo accused Obi of collecting money from individuals abroad and being involved in unlawful activities alongside other party leaders.
Obi’s lawyers argued that the statements portrayed the former Anambra State governor as someone involved in bribery, fraud, extortion and other forms of misconduct. They maintained that the allegations were false and lacked factual support.
The legal team said the remarks went beyond political criticism and directly attacked Obi’s character, integrity and standing in public life. As a result, they demanded that Okonkwo withdraw the statements and publish a public apology within seven days.
In addition to the apology, Obi is seeking N5 billion as damages for what his lawyers described as injury to his reputation. They also requested a written undertaking that Okonkwo would refrain from making further statements of a similar nature against him.
The letter warned that failure to comply with the demands within the stipulated period could lead to legal proceedings. Obi’s legal team indicated that the former governor may seek further reliefs in court, including additional damages, public retractions and legal costs.
Reacting to the development, Okonkwo dismissed the demand and questioned Obi’s motives. In a statement posted on his social media account, he said he had not yet reviewed the letter and would respond after reading it.
The former NDC spokesperson also stated that he was not intimidated by the threat of legal action. He maintained that he would address the matter formally after examining the contents of the letter.
Okonkwo further suggested that a court case could open the door to the release of information he obtained while serving as Obi’s spokesperson.
He insisted that he was prepared to defend himself if the matter eventually reaches the courtroom.
The disagreement marks a fresh chapter in the growing rift between both men, who were once political allies. Okonkwo had played a prominent role in Obi’s political movement before their relationship deteriorated following disagreements over party affairs and political strategy.
With both sides standing firm, attention is now on whether the dispute will be resolved privately or proceed to court in the coming days. The outcome could shape the next phase of the political fallout between Obi and one of his former close associates.