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 remarks made during a television interview.
The demand was contained in a letter dated June 9, 2026, issued by Obi’s legal representatives, Chief Alex Ejesieme (SAN) & Co., following comments allegedly made by Okonkwo on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme on June 8.
According to the legal team, Okonkwo made several allegations against Obi and some leaders of the NDC in the South-East, including claims that they demanded N10 million from House of Representatives aspirants after payment of the party’s official expression of interest fees. The lawyers stated that Okonkwo also claimed to possess documentary evidence, including receipts, to support the allegations.
The letter further accused Okonkwo of alleging that Obi personally compiled the party’s list of candidates from a hotel room, warned aspirants that Obi would “scam” them, travelled abroad to collect money from individuals, and was involved in criminal activities alongside some party leaders.
Obi’s solicitors described the statements as false, malicious, reckless, and entirely unsupported by facts, arguing that they were capable of damaging his reputation and exposing him to public ridicule.
In the letter titled “Demand for Immediate Withdrawal of False, Malicious and Defamatory Publications Against Mr. Peter Obi, Public Apology and Undertaking,” the lawyers maintained that the allegations portrayed their client as a corrupt and dishonest public figure involved in bribery, fraud, extortion, and other criminal conduct.
They stressed that while freedom of expression is constitutionally protected, it does not extend to making false accusations capable of destroying another person’s reputation.
“The right to freedom of expression does not extend to the reckless destruction of another person’s reputation,” the letter stated.
As part of the demands, Obi’s legal team requested that Okonkwo withdraw the statements within seven days and publish an unequivocal and unreserved apology through the same platforms where the comments were allegedly made and circulated.
The lawyers specifically requested that the apology be aired on Channels Television and published across Okonkwo’s social media accounts, including X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and any other platform through which the statements were disseminated.
In addition to the public apology and retraction, Obi is seeking N5 billion as general, aggravated, and exemplary damages for the alleged harm caused to his reputation, character, and public standing.
The letter also demanded a written undertaking from Okonkwo, assuring that he would refrain from making or publishing any further allegedly defamatory statements about Obi.
The legal team warned that failure to comply with the demands within the stipulated period would result in legal action, including claims for damages, injunctive reliefs, public retractions, and litigation costs.
The latest development adds another chapter to the political fallout between Obi and Okonkwo, who were once close allies. During the 2023 presidential election, Okonkwo served as spokesperson for the Obi/Datti Presidential Campaign Council while both men were members of the Labour Party. However, their relationship later deteriorated amid political disagreements. Okonkwo is now a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
