Peter Obi drags ex-ally Kenneth Okonkwo to court, seeks ₦5bn and apology over alleged defamatory remarks

The 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has demanded ₦5 billion in damages from actor-turned-politician Kenneth Okonkwo over alleged defamatory statements made during a television interview.

Obi, through his lawyers, Chief Alex Ejesieme (SAN) & Co., accused Okonkwo of making false allegations capable of damaging his reputation and public image.

In a letter dated June 9, 2026, and addressed to Okonkwo, Obi’s legal team demanded an immediate withdrawal of the statements, a public apology, and a written undertaking against further publications.

The legal demand followed comments allegedly made by Okonkwo during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme on June 8, 2026.

According to the solicitors, Okonkwo alleged that Obi and NDC leaders in the South-East demanded ₦10 million from House of Representatives aspirants after they had paid the party’s official expression of interest fees.

The lawyers further claimed that Okonkwo alleged documentary evidence existed to support the accusation and also accused Obi of personally compiling the party’s list of candidates from a hotel room, warning aspirants that Obi would “scam” them, travelling abroad to collect money from individuals, and engaging in criminal activities alongside some party leaders.

Obi’s legal team described the allegations as “false, baseless, malicious, reckless and wholly unsupported by any fact.”

In the demand letter titled “Demand for Immediate Withdrawal of False, Malicious and Defamatory Publications Against Mr. Peter Obi, Public Apology and Undertaking,” the lawyers argued that the statements portrayed Obi as corrupt, dishonest and involved in fraudulent activities.

“The right to freedom of expression does not extend to the reckless destruction of another person’s reputation,” the letter stated.

The legal team demanded that Okonkwo withdraw the statements within seven days and publish an “unequivocal and unreserved” apology through the same platforms where the comments were allegedly made and circulated.

They also requested that the apology be aired on Channels Television and published across Okonkwo’s social media platforms, including X, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

In addition, Obi is seeking ₦5 billion as general, aggravated and exemplary damages for the alleged injury to his reputation.

The lawyers warned that failure to comply with the demands within the stipulated period would lead to legal action, including claims for damages, injunctive reliefs, public retractions and litigation costs.

The development marks the latest chapter in the political fallout between Obi and Okonkwo, who was once one of Obi’s most prominent allies and served as spokesperson for the Obi/Datti Presidential Campaign Council during the 2023 presidential election before their relationship deteriorated over political differences.

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