Peter Obi Threatens N5bn Libel Suit Against Kenneth Okonkwo

A major political and legal confrontation has erupted between 2027 Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate Peter Obi and Nollywood actor-turned-politician Kenneth Okonkwo, with Obi demanding N5 billion in damages over allegations he described as false, malicious and defamatory.

The dispute follows comments made by Okonkwo during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, where the former spokesperson and ally of Obi alleged that aspirants seeking elective positions under the Nigerian Democratic Congress were compelled to pay substantial sums to secure party tickets.

According to Okonkwo, House of Representatives aspirants were allegedly asked to pay N10 million while senatorial aspirants paid as much as N20 million.

The actor further claimed that an aspirant from Anambra State, Obunike Ohaegbu, had contacted him and provided evidence suggesting that Obi personally benefited from the alleged payments.

Okonkwo alleged that after the aspirants made the payments, they were directed to participate in party primaries instead of receiving automatic tickets as they had allegedly expected.

He also claimed that Obi personally influenced the selection of candidates by compiling lists of preferred aspirants and forwarding them for party consideration.

The allegations quickly generated widespread reactions across political circles, especially given the reputation Obi has built around transparency, accountability and anti-corruption advocacy.

The controversy took another turn when Ohaegbu publicly denied making the statements attributed to him. Appearing on the same television programme a day later, the Anambra politician insisted that he never accused Obi of demanding money from him or any other aspirant.

“I am telling you that Peter Obi never told me to pay N10 million. I never told Kenneth Okonkwo that Peter Obi, in any way, told me to pay N10 million,” Ohaegbu stated.

He further clarified that while discussions existed regarding concerns over candidate selection processes, he never directly accused Obi of bribery or financial misconduct.

“What I said is that there was an allegation that the list had been prepared in Johnwood Hotel. I didn’t mention names,” he added.Following Ohaegbu’s denial, Obi’s legal team moved swiftly.

In a strongly worded pre-action letter signed by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Alex Ejesieme, Obi accused Okonkwo of deliberately publishing falsehoods capable of damaging his reputation and exposing him to public ridicule.

The letter described the allegations as reckless, malicious and entirely unsupported by evidence.

According to Obi, the statements portrayed him as a corrupt political figure involved in extortion, bribery, fraud and criminal conspiracy.“These are extremely grave, damaging and reckless imputations of bribery, extortion, fraud, financial dishonesty and criminality directed at the character, integrity, reputation and public standing of my person,” Obi stated in the letter.

The former Labour Party presidential candidate in 2023, now flying the NDC flag for 2027, argued that the comments were calculated to undermine his public image and weaken confidence in his political integrity.

As part of his demands, Obi requested an immediate retraction of the statements and a public apology to be published on Channels Television and across all social media platforms controlled by Okonkwo.

He also demanded payment of N5 billion as general, aggravated and exemplary damages. In addition, Obi wants Okonkwo to sign a written undertaking guaranteeing that he will not repeat or republish the allegations in any form.

The legal team gave Okonkwo seven days to comply with the demands or face legal action. “Take notice that should you fail, refuse or neglect to comply with the above demands within the stipulated period, our client shall be left with no option than to seek legal redress against you without further recourse to you,”

the letter stated.The development marks a dramatic deterioration in the relationship between Obi and Okonkwo, who were once close political associates during the 2023 presidential campaign.

Political observers say the dispute could develop into one of the most closely watched defamation cases in recent Nigerian political history, particularly because it touches on issues of party financing, internal democracy and the personal credibility of two prominent political figures.

With neither side showing signs of backing down, the controversy appears set to move from the political arena to the courtroom, where the competing claims and evidence may ultimately be tested under oath.