Peter Obi has taken a firm legal stand against his former ally, actor-turned-politician Kenneth Okonkwo. The NDC presidential candidate filed a ₦5 billion defamation lawsuit threat following explosive claims made during a Channels TV interview.
Okonkwo, now with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), accused Obi and South-East NDC leaders of demanding ₦10 million bribes from House of Representatives aspirants. These aspirants had already paid official expression of interest fees.
He further alleged that Obi personally compiled candidate lists from a hotel room in Abuja. Okonkwo claimed involvement in scams, extortion, and criminal activities targeting party members and supporters abroad.
Obi's legal team, led by Alex Ejesieme (SAN), described the statements as “false, baseless, malicious, reckless, defamatory and wholly unsupported by any fact.” A demand letter dated June 9, 2026, gave Okonkwo seven days to retract, apologize publicly, and pay damages.
Failure to comply, the letter warns, will lead to court action. The claims reportedly portray Obi as a fraudster, bribe collector, and dishonest actor, damaging his reputation as a statesman of integrity.
The dispute stems from Anambra NDC primaries held around May 29. Aspirants paid fees, yet results remain unpublished amid controversy over the candidate list. Okonkwo shared chats and a bank alert from aspirant Obunike Ohaegbu as evidence.
However, reports indicate Ohaegbu later denied key parts of the narrative shared by Okonkwo. This weakens some of the actor's public assertions.
In response to the lawsuit threat, Okonkwo stood firm. “Let me make it clear that as a citizen and a Lawyer, I have a duty to disclose every crime against the state that comes within my knowledge,” he stated.
He has not retracted his claims and continues to release what he calls evidence of payments. Okonkwo mocked the demand, suggesting it reflects Obi's need for funds ahead of future polls.
This public fallout marks a bitter end to their once-close relationship. Okonkwo served as spokesperson for Obi's Labour Party campaign in 2023 before defecting. He previously criticized Obi’s stability and political decisions.
Political observers note the suit highlights deep fractures within Nigeria's opposition circles. With 2027 elections approaching, such scandals risk eroding public trust in key figures.
Obi built his image on transparency and prudent governance during his time as Anambra governor. Allegations of this nature strike at the core of that brand, especially among supporters who view him as incorruptible.
Okonkwo, a veteran Nollywood actor known for roles in films like Living in Bondage, has positioned himself as a whistleblower. His lawyer background adds weight to his insistence on exposing wrongdoing. Yet critics question his motives post-defection.
Social media reactions remain divided. Supporters of Obi demand accountability for what they call baseless attacks. Others back Okonkwo, citing frustration with internal party dealings and unfulfilled promises.
This case could set precedents on political speech limits in Nigeria. Defamation suits involving high-profile figures often drag through courts, drawing prolonged public scrutiny.
As the seven-day ultimatum ticks, all eyes remain on Okonkwo’s next move. Will he apologize and settle, or brace for a fierce legal battle that could further expose rifts in the political landscape?
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