The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has asked actor-turned-politician Kenneth Okonkwo to pay N5 billion in damages over alleged defamation.
The dispute followed an interview Okonkwo gave on Channels Television’s “Sunrise Daily” on June 8, 2026.
During the programme, he accused Obi and leaders of the NDC in the South-East of collecting N10 million from House of Representatives aspirants in exchange for party tickets.
Okonkwo claimed that an aspirant from Anambra State, Obunike Ohaegbu, sent him a message and a payment receipt showing he had paid N10 million.
According to him, the aspirants were later told to take part in party primaries instead of receiving automatic tickets as they allegedly expected.
He also alleged that Peter Obi stayed at Johnwood Hotel in Abuja, prepared the party’s list of candidates and submitted it himself instead of allowing a transparent selection process.
Okonkwo further accused Obi and the party of exploiting aspirants for money and claimed that anyone supporting the NDC was supporting criminal behaviour.
In response, Obi’s lawyers, Chief Alex Ejesieme (SAN) & Co., described the allegations as false, malicious and without evidence.
In a letter dated June 9, 2026, they demanded that Okonkwo immediately withdraw the statements, apologise publicly and promise not to make similar claims again.
The legal team also rejected Okonkwo’s claim that he had documentary proof, including receipts, to support his accusations.
They further objected to his allegations that Obi personally selected candidates, travelled abroad to collect money and was involved in criminal activities with other party leaders.
According to the lawyers, the statements falsely portray Obi as someone who demands bribes, defrauds political aspirants and engages in dishonest conduct.
They argued that the remarks were capable of seriously harming his reputation and exposing him to public ridicule.
While acknowledging the constitutional right to freedom of expression, the lawyers said that right does not include making false accusations of criminal conduct against another person.
Peter Obi is demanding that Okonkwo withdraw the statements within seven days and issue a clear and unconditional apology.
It partly read: “Immediately withdraw the said false and defamatory statements in their entirety; publish a clear, unequivocal and unreserved public apology to our Client, Mr. Peter Obi;
“Publish the said withdrawal and apology, with equal prominence, through the same medium of the original broadcast and through all your social media handles and platforms, including but not limited to Channels Television, your X/Twitter handle, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and any other platform through which the defamatory statements were made, broadcast, reposted, circulated or amplified;
“Ensure that the apology is given the same or greater prominence, visibility and circulation as the original defamatory publication;
“Pay to our Client, through our Chambers, the sum of Five Billion Naira (N5,000,000,000.00) only, as general, aggravated and exemplary damages for the grave injury occasioned to his hard-earned reputation, character and public standing by the said false, malicious and defamatory statements; and
“Deliver to us a written undertaking that you shall cease and desist from making, publishing, circulating or causing to be published any further false, malicious or defamatory statement concerning our client.”
The letter warned that if Okonkwo fails to meet the demands within the specified period, legal proceedings will be started, including claims for damages, court orders, public retractions and legal costs.
The latest dispute reflects the growing political fallout between Peter Obi and Kenneth Okonkwo, who were once close political allies before their relationship broke down over differences in political direction.
ALSO READ: Kenneth Okonkwo Remains My Brother And Trusted Ally Despite His Criticism – Peter Obi
#Peter #Obi #Threatens #N5bn #Lawsuit #Kenneth #Okonkwo #Alleged #Defamatory #Remarks
