The 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 statements 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 within the stipulated period.
In a letter dated June 9, 2026, Obi’s legal team, led by Alex Ejesieme, accused Okonkwo of making false, malicious and defamatory allegations against their client during an appearance on Channels Television’s *Sunrise Daily* programme on June 8, 2026.
According to the lawyers, the statements were subsequently published and circulated by various media organisations and online platforms, thereby amplifying their reach and impact.
The letter alleged that Okonkwo claimed that Obi, in collaboration with leaders of the Nigeria Democratic Congress in the South-East, directed party aspirants seeking election into the House of Representatives to pay an additional N10 million bribe after paying the official expression of interest fee.
The legal team further alleged that Okonkwo claimed to possess documentary evidence of the payments and accused Obi of personally compiling the party’s list of candidates from a hotel room. He was also alleged to have warned aspirants that Obi would “scam” them, collected money from Nigerians abroad and participated in criminal activities alongside other party leaders.
According to the letter, the statements portrayed Obi as a politician involved in bribery, extortion, fraud, financial misconduct and criminal conspiracy.
“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.
Obi’s lawyers described the allegations as false, baseless, malicious and wholly unsupported by facts, arguing that they went beyond legitimate political criticism and constituted a direct attack on their client’s integrity, character and public reputation.
The legal team demanded that Okonkwo, within seven days of receiving the letter, withdraw the statements, publish an unequivocal and unreserved apology, and ensure that the apology receives the same or greater prominence as the original publication.
In addition, they demanded the payment of N5 billion as general, aggravated and exemplary damages for what they described as grave injury to Obi’s reputation and public standing.
The lawyers also requested a written undertaking from Okonkwo committing him to refrain from making or publishing any further defamatory statements concerning Obi.
The letter warned that failure to comply with the demands would compel Obi to seek legal redress, including claims for damages, injunctive reliefs, public retraction and recovery of legal costs.
“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 added.
Reacting in a statement posted on his X account on Tuesday, Okonkwo dismissed the demand and suggested that he had not yet reviewed 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 N5 billion. 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 stated that he would issue a formal response after reading 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 also suggested that any legal proceedings could result in the disclosure of information obtained during his period of service.
“Anyone who decides to sue his former spokesperson for defamation is indeed very unwise,” he added.
The dispute marks a significant escalation in the public fallout between Obi and Okonkwo, who were once political allies, and could potentially set the stage for a high-profile legal battle if the matter proceeds to court.
