The political rift between Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Gregory Obi, and former ally Kenneth Okonkwo has escalated to the courts, with Obi filing an ₦8 billion defamation suit against the actor-turned-politician at the High Court of Anambra State, Onitsha Judicial Division.
Court documents dated Thursday, June 25, 2026, show that the suit, marked O/1229/26, names Obi as the plaintiff and Okonkwo as the defendant.
The specially endorsed writ of summons directed Okonkwo to enter an appearance within 42 days after being served with the court process, warning that failure to do so could result in the matter proceeding in his absence and judgment being entered against him.
According to the statement of claim accompanying the writ, the suit stems from comments allegedly made by Okonkwo during his appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on June 8, 2026.
Obi contends that the remarks, which were broadcast live, later published on the station’s YouTube platform under the title “Kenneth Okonkwo Criticises Peter Obi, Condemns NDC Primaries,” and subsequently shared on Okonkwo’s verified X account, Facebook page and other online platforms, were false, malicious, baseless and defamatory.
The plaintiff also accused Okonkwo of repeating and amplifying the allegations even after receiving, or becoming aware of, a demand letter from his solicitors dated June 9, 2026, seeking a retraction.
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Obi is seeking ₦5 billion in general damages for the alleged harm to his reputation, character, integrity, public image, political standing and goodwill, ₦2 billion in aggravated damages over the continued publication of the statements after notice of his complaint, and ₦1 billion in exemplary damages, bringing the total monetary claim to ₦8 billion.
Beyond the damages, Obi is asking the court to compel Okonkwo to publish a full, unreserved and unequivocal apology on Channels Television, the station’s YouTube platform, his X, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube accounts, as well as in three national newspapers, within seven days of judgment.
He is also seeking an order directing that the apology remain prominently displayed and pinned on Okonkwo’s social media accounts where the platforms permit, and another requiring the removal of all interviews, videos, posts, reposts and other publications containing the alleged defamatory statements from every digital platform under the defendant’s control.
The suit further seeks a perpetual injunction restraining Okonkwo, his agents or representatives from publishing or circulating similar allegations accusing Obi of bribery, fraud, extortion, theft, criminality or membership or leadership of a criminal gang.
The court process was issued by Chief Alex Ejesieme (SAN) of Alex Ejesieme (SAN) & Co., solicitors to Obi, and is to be served on Okonkwo at his address in Ofuluonu, Nsukka, Enugu State.
The legal action marks the latest development in the fractured relationship between Obi and Okonkwo, who were key allies during the 2023 presidential election campaign before their political alliance collapsed over differences on party and political issues.
As of press time, there was no indication from the court records that Okonkwo had entered an appearance or filed a defense to the suit.