Former Anambra State Governor and 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 alleged defamatory statements made during a television interview.
In a letter dated June 9, 2026, Obi’s legal team, led by Alex Ejesieme (SAN), accused Okonkwo of making false and malicious allegations during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme on June 8. The lawyers said the comments were subsequently published and widely circulated by various media outlets and online platforms.
According to the letter, Okonkwo alleged that Obi and NDC leaders in the South-East required House of Representatives aspirants to pay an additional N10 million bribe after paying the official expression of interest fee. He also reportedly claimed that documentary evidence existed to support the allegation.
Obi’s lawyers further alleged that Okonkwo accused the former governor of personally compiling party candidate lists from a hotel room, collecting money from individuals abroad, and engaging in fraudulent and criminal activities alongside other party officials.
The legal team argued that the statements portrayed Obi as someone involved in bribery, extortion, fraud, and criminal conspiracy, describing the allegations as false, malicious, reckless, and unsupported by facts.
They maintained that the remarks went beyond political criticism and amounted to a direct attack on Obi’s character, integrity, and public reputation.
As part of their demands, Obi’s lawyers instructed Okonkwo to withdraw the statements within seven days, publish an unequivocal apology with equal or greater prominence than the original remarks, and provide a written undertaking not to make further defamatory statements against their client.
The legal notice also demanded payment of N5 billion as general, aggravated, and exemplary damages for the alleged harm caused to Obi’s reputation and public standing.
The letter warned that failure to comply with the demands would leave Obi with no choice but to pursue legal action, including claims for damages, injunctive reliefs, public retraction, and recovery of legal costs.
Reacting in a statement posted on his X account on Tuesday, Okonkwo dismissed the demand and said he had not yet reviewed the letter.
He mocked the compensation claim and suggested Obi should seek financial assistance directly if he needed campaign funds, rather than pursuing what he described as an attempt at extortion.
Okonkwo stated that he would respond formally after reading the letter, adding that it would be embarrassing for Obi and his lawyers if they failed to proceed with the matter in court.
The former spokesperson also suggested that any legal proceedings could lead to the disclosure of information he obtained during his time serving in that role, while maintaining that he was prepared to defend himself against any lawsuit.
