Former Labour Party presidential candidate and leader 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 what he described as defamatory allegations made against him during a live television interview.
As reported by NewKwara Media Online, Obi, through his legal team led by senior advocate Alex Ejesieme (SAN), accused Okonkwo of making false and damaging claims during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme on Monday, June 8, 2026.
The former Anambra State governor warned that he would not hesitate to take legal action if the actor fails to retract the statements and meet the conditions outlined in the legal notice.
What Kenneth Okonkwo Allegedly Said
According to the letter dated June 9, 2026, Okonkwo allegedly accused Obi and some NDC leaders in the South-East of demanding a ₦10 million bribe from aspirants seeking tickets to contest for seats in the House of Representatives.
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Obi’s lawyers claimed that Okonkwo further alleged that documentary evidence existed to support the payments and that Obi personally compiled the party’s list of candidates from a hotel room.
The legal team also accused Okonkwo of warning political aspirants that Obi would “scam” them, alleging that the former presidential candidate collected money from Nigerians abroad and participated in criminal activities alongside other party officials.
Obi’s Lawyers Describe Claims as False and Malicious
Reacting to the allegations, Obi’s lawyers described the remarks as entirely false, reckless and malicious.
They argued that the statements portrayed their client as a corrupt politician involved in bribery, extortion, fraud and other criminal conduct.
According to the legal team, the comments have seriously damaged Obi’s reputation and public image.
“The statements falsely portray our client as someone who solicits bribes, defrauds political aspirants, engages in dishonest conduct and participates in criminal activities,” part of the letter stated.
The lawyers insisted that the allegations were unsupported by any evidence and crossed the line from political criticism into outright defamation.
Peter Obi Gives Okonkwo Seven-Day Ultimatum
As part of the demands, Obi’s legal team asked Okonkwo to:
- Withdraw the statements completely;
- Publish an unreserved public apology;
- Ensure the apology receives equal or greater publicity than the original interview;
- Pay ₦5 billion as damages for the alleged injury caused to Obi’s reputation;
- Provide a written undertaking not to make similar allegations in the future.
The lawyers warned that failure to comply within seven days would leave Obi with no option but to seek redress in court.
The letter further stated that Obi could pursue additional legal remedies, including injunctions, public retractions and recovery of legal costs.
Kenneth Okonkwo Fires Back
However, Okonkwo has already dismissed the demand.
In a statement posted on his X account on Tuesday, the former spokesperson said he had only seen reports of the letter circulating online and had not yet reviewed its contents.
“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 ₦5 billion. 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.
The actor-turned-politician added that he would respond officially after reading the letter.
He also challenged Obi to proceed with legal action, suggesting that court proceedings could reveal information he obtained while serving as Obi’s spokesperson.
“It will be a shame to Peter Obi and his lawyers if they do not take this case to court,” he stated.
Okonkwo further declared that anyone suing a former spokesperson for defamation was making a serious mistake.
Fresh Rift Deepens Between Former Allies
The latest development marks another chapter in the growing fallout between Peter Obi and Kenneth Okonkwo, who were once close political allies.
Political observers are now watching closely to see whether the dispute will end with a public settlement or escalate into what could become one of the most high-profile defamation cases involving major opposition figures ahead of the next election cycle.
For now, all eyes remain on whether Okonkwo will comply with the seven-day ultimatum or prepare for a legal showdown with the former presidential candidate.
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