Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has demanded N5 billion in damages and a public apology from actor-turned-politician Kenneth Okonkwo over allegations he described as false and defamatory.
The demand was contained in a letter dated June 9, 2026, issued by Obi’s legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Alex Ejesieme. The lawyers accused Okonkwo of making damaging claims during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme on June 8.
According to the letter, Okonkwo alleged that Obi and leaders of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the South-East demanded financial payments from party aspirants seeking election into the House of Representatives.
The claims reportedly suggested that aspirants were required to pay an additional N10 million beyond the official expression of interest fee.
Obi’s legal representatives argued that the statements were false, malicious, and unsupported by any evidence. They further noted that the allegations were subsequently circulated by various media organisations and online platforms, increasing their reach and impact.
The legal team stated that Okonkwo also claimed there was documentary evidence supporting the alleged payments and suggested that Obi personally compiled party candidate lists from a hotel room.
Other remarks attributed to Okonkwo included allegations that Obi collected money from individuals abroad and engaged in activities that could be considered criminal.
In the letter, Obi’s lawyers maintained that the comments portrayed their client as someone 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,” the letter stated.
The lawyers described the remarks as “false, baseless, malicious, reckless, defamatory and wholly unsupported by any fact,” adding that the statements crossed the line from political criticism into a direct attack on Obi’s integrity and public reputation.
As part of the demands, Obi requested that Okonkwo withdraw the statements within seven days and publish an unequivocal apology. The apology, according to the legal notice, must receive the same or greater publicity as the original allegations.
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The former Anambra State governor is also seeking N5 billion as general, aggravated, and exemplary damages for what his lawyers described as serious harm to his reputation and public standing.
In addition, Obi’s legal team demanded a written undertaking from Okonkwo, assuring that he would refrain from making or publishing further defamatory statements against their client.
The letter warned that failure to comply with the demands would leave Obi with no option but to pursue legal action, including claims for damages, injunctive reliefs, public retractions, and legal costs.
Reacting to the development, Okonkwo dismissed the demand and questioned Obi’s motives. In a statement shared on his X account, the former spokesperson said he had not yet reviewed the letter but ridiculed the N5 billion claim.
“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 issue a formal response after reading the legal document.
“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.
Okonkwo also suggested that a lawsuit could open the door to revelations from his time serving as Obi’s spokesperson.
“Anyone who decides to sue his former spokesperson for defamation is indeed very unwise,” he added.
The latest clash marks a significant escalation in the growing rift between the two political figures. With both men standing firmly by their positions, attention is now shifting to whether the dispute will be resolved privately or proceed to court, where the allegations and counterclaims could face detailed legal scrutiny.
