RismadarVoice Reporters
June 10, 2026
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has demanded ₦5 billion in damages and a public apology from actor-turned-politician Kenneth Okonkwo over alleged defamatory remarks made against him during a recent television interview.
Obi’s legal representatives, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Alex Ejesieme, issued the demand in a letter dated June 9, 2026. The legal team also warned that failure to comply could result in further legal action, including higher financial claims.
The dispute stems from comments allegedly made by Okonkwo during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on June 8, which were later circulated across various media platforms and social media channels.
According to Obi’s lawyers, Okonkwo accused the former Anambra State governor and leaders of the NDC in the South-East of engaging in financial misconduct during the party’s candidate selection process. These allegations reportedly included claims of bribery demands from aspirants seeking party tickets.
The legal team further stated that Okonkwo suggested there was documentary evidence supporting the allegations and accused Obi of directly influencing candidate selection processes from a hotel setting, as well as warning aspirants about alleged fraudulent activities within the party structure.
Obi’s lawyers argued that the statements portrayed him as being involved in bribery, fraud, extortion, and other forms of criminal conduct, describing the claims as false, malicious, and damaging to his public reputation.
They maintained that the remarks were not political commentary but constituted a serious attack on Obi’s integrity, character, and public standing.
The letter demanded that Okonkwo, within seven days, retract the statements, publish an unconditional apology with equal or greater prominence than the original allegations, and cease making further claims of a similar nature.
In addition, the legal notice called for the payment of ₦5 billion in general, aggravated, and exemplary damages for reputational harm allegedly suffered by Obi.
The lawyers warned that if the demands are not met within the stipulated timeframe, Obi would pursue legal remedies, including damages, injunctions, retractions, and recovery of legal costs.
In response, Kenneth Okonkwo, in a statement posted on his official X handle, dismissed the allegations and said he had not yet fully reviewed the legal letter.
He described the development in strong terms, insisting he would respond formally after examining the contents of the notice. Okonkwo also challenged Obi’s legal team, suggesting that the matter should proceed to court if necessary.
He further stated that any legal confrontation could expose information from his time as Obi’s former spokesperson, adding that he had no hesitation in defending his position.
