The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 election, Peter Obi, has demanded ₦5 billion in damages and a public apology from actor and politician Kenneth Okonkwo over comments he allegedly made during a television interview.
The demand was contained in a letter dated June 9, 2026, written by Obi’s lawyer, Chief Alex Ejesieme (SAN), who accused Okonkwo of making defamatory allegations during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme on June 8.
According to the letter, Okonkwo allegedly accused Obi and NDC leaders in the South-East of collecting ₦10 million from aspirants seeking House of Representatives tickets after they had already paid the party’s official nomination fees.
The legal team also challenged claims that documentary evidence and receipts existed to support the allegation.
Obi’s lawyers further objected to statements allegedly made by Okonkwo suggesting that the former governor personally selected candidates from a hotel room, warned politicians that Obi would defraud them, travelled overseas to collect money from certain individuals, and worked alongside party leaders in activities portrayed as criminal.
The legal letter described the allegations as entirely untrue and damaging to Obi’s public image.
“The above statements, in their natural and ordinary meaning, and by necessary implication, falsely and maliciously represent our Client as a person who demands, solicits, organises and collects bribes; who extorts, defrauds and swindles political aspirants of their money; who is a fraudster, a scammer and a dishonest political actor; and who, in concert with others, is engaged in criminal conspiracy and is actively perpetuating criminality,” the letter stated.
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The lawyers argued that the comments amounted to a direct attack on Obi’s character and standing, insisting they exceeded the limits of fair political commentary.
“Your words were not mere political commentary. They crossed the permissible bounds of fair comment and constituted a direct assault on our Client’s person, integrity, image and reputation,” the letter said.
As part of its demands, Obi’s legal team asked Okonkwo to withdraw the statements within seven days and publish an apology through the same television and social media platforms where the allegations were circulated.
The former Anambra governor is also demanding ₦5 billion as general, aggravated and exemplary damages, as well as a written undertaking that similar statements will not be repeated in the future.
The letter warned that if the demands are not met within the stipulated period, Obi will pursue legal action.
According to the legal team, he would have “no option than to seek legal redress” through the courts, including claims for damages, injunctions, public retraction, apology and the cost of litigation.