The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has demanded N5 billion in damages and a public apology from actor and politician Kenneth Okonkwo over comments he claims were defamatory.
Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, also warned that he would pursue legal action and potentially seek additional damages if the demands are not met within the stipulated period.
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In a letter dated June 9, 2026, Obi’s legal team, headed by senior advocate Alex Ejesieme (SAN), accused Okonkwo of making damaging and unsubstantiated allegations during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme on June 8.
According to the lawyers, the statements were subsequently amplified by various media outlets and online platforms.
The letter alleged that Okonkwo claimed Obi, alongside NDC leaders in the South-East, instructed party aspirants seeking seats in the House of Representatives to pay an additional N10 million bribe after settling the official expression of interest fee.
Obi’s lawyers further stated that Okonkwo alleged he possessed documentary proof of such payments, claimed Obi personally selected party candidates from a hotel room, cautioned aspirants that Obi would defraud them, accused him of collecting funds from Nigerians abroad, and linked him to criminal activities involving other party officials.
The legal team argued that the statements portrayed Obi as someone involved in bribery, extortion, fraud, financial misconduct, and other criminal acts.
According to the letter, the allegations falsely depict Obi as an individual who solicits and collects bribes, defrauds political aspirants, engages in dishonest practices, and participates in criminal conspiracies.
The lawyers described the claims as entirely unfounded, malicious, reckless, and defamatory, insisting that they lacked any factual basis.
They maintained that the remarks exceeded the bounds of political criticism and amounted to a serious attack on Obi’s reputation, integrity, and public standing.
As part of their demands, Obi’s legal representatives asked Okonkwo to retract the statements within seven days, issue an unequivocal and unconditional apology, and ensure the apology receives equal or greater prominence than the original publication.
They also demanded payment of N5 billion as general, aggravated, and exemplary damages for what they described as significant harm to Obi’s reputation and character.
In addition, the lawyers requested a written commitment from Okonkwo to refrain from making or disseminating any further allegedly false or defamatory statements about their client.
The letter warned that failure to comply would leave Obi with no alternative but to seek legal remedies, including monetary damages, court injunctions, public retractions, and recovery of legal costs.
Reacting in a post on his X account on Tuesday, Okonkwo dismissed the demand, saying he had not yet reviewed the letter.
He mocked the compensation request and suggested that if Obi needed campaign funds, he should seek assistance directly rather than pursue what he described as an attempt at extortion.
Okonkwo said he would provide a formal response after reading the letter, adding that he hoped the matter would proceed to court.
The former spokesperson further stated that any lawsuit could result in the disclosure of information he obtained while serving in that capacity.
He also questioned the wisdom of a public figure taking legal action against a former spokesperson over alleged defamation.
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