The 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 comments he allegedly made during a television interview.
Obi’s legal team also warned that court action could follow if the demands are not met, with the possibility of seeking additional damages through legal proceedings.
In a letter dated June 9, 2026, Obi’s lawyers, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Alex Ejesieme, accused Okonkwo of making false and defamatory allegations during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme on June 8.
According to the letter, the comments were subsequently circulated across various media platforms and online channels, amplifying their reach.
The legal team alleged that Okonkwo claimed that Obi, alongside leaders of the Nigeria Democratic Congress in the South-East, informed party aspirants seeking election into the House of Representatives that, in addition to the prescribed expression of interest fees, they were required to pay a N10 million bribe to the party and regional caucus leaders.
The letter further alleged that Okonkwo claimed there was documentary evidence supporting 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 individuals abroad, and engaged in criminal activities alongside other party officials.
According to Obi’s lawyers, the statements portrayed their client as being 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; 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 read.
The legal representatives described the allegations as entirely unfounded and argued that they crossed the line from political criticism into a direct attack on Obi’s reputation and public standing.
They maintained that the statements were:
“false, baseless, malicious, reckless, defamatory and wholly unsupported by any fact.”
Seven-Day Deadline for Retraction
Obi’s legal team demanded that Okonkwo withdraw the statements within seven days of receiving the letter and issue what they described as an unequivocal and unreserved apology.
The lawyers further requested that the apology receive the same or greater prominence as the original publication.
In addition, they demanded:
“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; and
“Deliver to us a written undertaking that you shall cease and desist from making, publishing, circulating or causing to be published any further false, malicious or defamatory statement concerning our Client.”
The letter warned that failure to comply would result in legal proceedings seeking damages, injunctive reliefs, public retractions, and 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 stated.
Okonkwo Rejects Demand, Promises Formal Response
Responding on Tuesday via a statement published on his X account, Okonkwo dismissed the demand and indicated that 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,” he wrote.
Okonkwo said he would provide a detailed response after reading the 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.
The former spokesperson also suggested that any legal battle could expose information he obtained while serving in that capacity.
“Anyone who decides to sue his former spokesperson for defamation is indeed very unwise,” he added.
Growing Political Fallout
The dispute marks the latest public confrontation between Obi and Okonkwo, who were previously political allies. The controversy now appears headed for a potential legal showdown unless both parties reach a resolution within the timeframe outlined by Obi’s legal representatives.
Should the matter proceed to court, it could become one of the most closely watched political defamation cases in Nigeria ahead of the next electoral cycle.
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