Former presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has issued a legal threat demanding a ₦5 billion compensation from his former political associate and African Democratic Congress (ADC) member, Kenneth Okonkwo, over alleged defamatory statements.
Through his legal representatives, Chief Alex Ejesieme (SAN) & Co., Obi accused Okonkwo of making remarks that he claims are false and damaging to his reputation and public standing.
In a letter dated June 9, 2026, the legal team demanded that Okonkwo retract the statements, issue a public apology, and provide a written promise to stop further publications on the matter.
The dispute stems from comments allegedly made by Okonkwo during an interview on Sunrise Daily on Channels Television on June 8, 2026.
Obi’s lawyers argued that Okonkwo accused him and some NDC leaders in the South-East of demanding ₦10 million from House of Representatives aspirants after they had paid official nomination fees. They also claimed Okonkwo said he had documents and receipts to back up the allegation.
The letter further stated that Okonkwo allegedly made additional claims, including that Obi compiled party candidate lists from a hotel, warned aspirants that Obi could “scam” them, traveled abroad to collect funds, and engaged in criminal conduct alongside other party figures.
The legal team described the statements as false, malicious, and capable of portraying Obi as corrupt, dishonest, and unfit for public office.
They emphasized that while freedom of expression is guaranteed, it does not include the right to publish unverified claims that could harm another person’s reputation.
Obi is demanding that Okonkwo retract all statements within seven days and publish an unreserved apology across the same platforms where the allegations were made, including television and social media accounts.
He is also seeking ₦5 billion in damages for reputational harm, alongside a formal undertaking to avoid further defamatory remarks.
Failure to comply, according to the legal notice, will result in court action seeking damages, injunctions, and other legal remedies.
The disagreement comes shortly after Okonkwo publicly criticized Obi following his departure from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and has since declared support for Atiku Abubakar, who emerged as the party’s presidential flagbearer ahead of the 2027 elections.
