Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has demanded N5 billion in damages and a public apology from actor-turned-politician Kenneth Okonkwo. The legal action stems from alleged defamatory statements Okonkwo made during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme. Obi’s legal team, led by Alex Ejesieme (SAN), issued the demand in a letter dated June 9, 2026, warning of potential court proceedings if their requirements are not met.
Allegations Made During NDC Primaries
The letter accuses Okonkwo of claiming that Obi and other NDC leaders in the South-East instructed party aspirants to pay bribes after submitting expression-of-interest forms during recent primaries. The amount alleged for House of Representatives and Senate candidates was reportedly N10 million and N20 million, respectively. Okonkwo also allegedly asserted that Obi personally compiled the list of candidates from a hotel, threatened aspirants, and engaged in extortion and fraudulent activities.
Damages and Apology Sought
Obi’s lawyers described the statements as “false, baseless, malicious, reckless, defamatory and wholly unsupported by any fact.” They demanded that Okonkwo:
- Publish an unequivocal public apology.
- Pay N5 billion in general, aggravated, and exemplary damages.
- Cease from making further defamatory statements.
The letter emphasized that failure to comply within seven days would leave Obi with no option but to pursue full legal redress, including injunctions, public retractions, and additional claims for damages and costs.
Okonkwo Responds
In reaction, Okonkwo dismissed the demand in a post on his X handle, stating he had not yet read the letter. He mocked the legal notice as extortion, suggesting that if Obi needed funds for campaigning, he could ask privately. He also indicated that he would formally respond after reviewing the letter.
“Anyone who decides to sue his former spokesperson for defamation is indeed very unwise,” Okonkwo warned, hinting that legal proceedings could expose information he possesses from his previous role.
Broader Context
The controversy follows Okonkwo’s prior allegations that NDC primaries were marred by bribery and fraud, and that Peter Obi orchestrated the process. Obi’s legal action represents a formal pushback to defend his integrity and challenge the public dissemination of unverified claims against him and other party leaders.
