June 10 (THEWILL) — Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 General Elections, Peter Obi, has accused his former ally and spokesperson, Kenneth Okonkwo, of character assassination, demanding N5 billion in damages and a public apology over what he described as false and defamatory allegations made against him during a television interview.
Obi, through his lawyers led by Alex Ejesieme (SAN), issued the demand in a letter dated June 9, 2026, accusing Okonkwo of making malicious statements capable of damaging his reputation and public standing.
The legal action followed comments allegedly made by Okonkwo during an appearance on Channels Television on June 8, in which he accused Obi and leaders of the NDC in the South-East of demanding bribes from aspirants seeking elective offices on the party’s platform.
According to the letter, Okonkwo claimed that aspirants for the House of Representatives were required to pay N10 million to the party and caucus leaders after paying the prescribed expression of interest fee.
He also allegedly claimed to possess documentary evidence to support the allegation.
Obi’s legal team further alleged that Okonkwo accused the former Anambra State governor of personally compiling the party’s list of candidates from a hotel room, collecting money from Nigerians abroad, and engaging in criminal activities alongside other party leaders.
The lawyers argued that the statements portrayed Obi as a corrupt political actor involved in bribery, extortion, fraud, financial dishonesty 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; who is a fraudster, a scammer and a dishonest political actor; and who, in concert with others, is engaged in criminal conspiracy and is actively perpetuating criminality,” the letter stated.
Describing the allegations as false, reckless and entirely unsupported by facts, Obi’s lawyers said the remarks went beyond political criticism and amounted to a deliberate attack on his integrity and character.
They consequently demanded that Okonkwo retract the statements within seven days, publish an unequivocal and unreserved apology, and ensure that the apology receives the same or greater prominence as the original publication.
The legal team also demanded the payment of N5 billion as general, aggravated and exemplary damages for the alleged injury caused to Obi’s reputation.
“Pay to our Client, through our Chambers, the sum of Five Billion Naira (N5,000,000,000.00) only, as general, aggravated and exemplary damages for the grave injury occasioned to his hard-earned reputation, character and public standing by the said false, malicious and defamatory statements,” the letter stated.
In addition, Obi demanded a written undertaking from Okonkwo to desist from making or publishing further allegedly defamatory statements about him.
The lawyers warned that failure to comply with the demands would leave their client with no option but to seek legal redress, including claims for damages, injunctive relief, public retraction and recovery of legal costs.
“Take notice that should you fail, refuse or neglect to comply with the above demands within the stipulated period, our Client shall be left with no option but to seek legal redress against you without further recourse to you,” the letter added.
Responding in a statement posted on his X account on Tuesday, Okonkwo dismissed the demand and mocked the former Labour Party presidential candidate.
“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,” he wrote.
Okonkwo said he had yet to read the letter and would respond formally after reviewing its contents.
“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.
The actor-turned-politician also suggested that any lawsuit could trigger disclosures about events that occurred during his time as Obi’s spokesperson.
“Anyone who decides to sue his former spokesperson for defamation is indeed very unwise,” he said.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
