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 made the demand through his legal team led by Alex Ejesieme (SAN). He accused Okonkwo of making false, malicious and defamatory allegations during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme on June 8.
In a letter dated June 9, the lawyers alleged that Okonkwo claimed Obi and NDC leaders in the South-East demanded a N10 million bribe from House of Representatives aspirants after payment of the official expression of interest fee.
The legal team further alleged that Okonkwo claimed there was documentary evidence of the payments, that Obi personally compiled the party’s list of candidates from a hotel room, warned aspirants that Obi would “scam” them, collected money from people abroad and was involved in criminal activities alongside other party leaders.
According to the lawyers, the allegations portrayed Obi as a person engaged in bribery, extortion, fraud, financial dishonesty and criminal conduct.
“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,” the letter stated.
Describing the allegations as false, baseless and reckless, Obi’s lawyers insisted that the comments went beyond political criticism and constituted a direct attack on his integrity and public reputation.
The legal team demanded that Okonkwo, within seven days, withdraw the statements, publish an unequivocal and unreserved apology with equal or greater prominence than the original publication, pay N5 billion as general, aggravated and exemplary damages, and provide a written undertaking to refrain from making further defamatory statements against Obi.
The letter warned that failure to comply would result in legal action, including claims for damages, injunctive reliefs, public retraction and legal costs.
Reacting in a statement posted on his X account, Okonkwo dismissed the demand, saying 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 N5bn. 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,” Okonkwo wrote.
He added that he would formally respond after reading the letter and maintained that he was prepared to defend his position.
“I will reply to the letter whenever I have the time to read it later in the day. 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.
Okonkwo also suggested that any court action could lead to the disclosure of information he obtained while serving as Obi’s spokesperson.
“Anyone who decides to sue his former spokesperson for defamation is indeed very unwise,” he added.
The dispute marks the latest escalation in the growing rift between the former political allies, with legal proceedings likely if both parties fail to reach an amicable resolution.
Obi demands N5bn damages, public apology from Kenneth Okonkwo over alleged defamation
