Obi demands N5bn damages, apology from Kenneth Okonkwo over alleged defamation

The 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 statements made against him during a television interview.

In a letter dated June 9, 2026, Obi’s lawyers, led by Alex Ejesieme (SAN), accused Okonkwo of making false and malicious allegations during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme on June 8.

According to the legal team, Okonkwo alleged that Obi and some NDC leaders in the South-East demanded a N10 million bribe from aspirants seeking to contest for seats in the House of Representatives after paying the party’s official expression of interest fee.

The lawyers further claimed that Okonkwo accused Obi of compiling the party’s list of candidates from a hotel room, collecting money from individuals abroad and engaging in fraudulent activities alongside other party leaders.

Obi’s legal team described the allegations as false, reckless and damaging to his reputation, arguing that they portrayed him as a dishonest politician involved in bribery, extortion, fraud and criminal conduct.

The lawyers demanded that Okonkwo withdraw the statements within seven days, publish an unequivocal apology with equal or greater prominence than the original publication and pay N5 billion as damages for the alleged injury caused to Obi’s reputation.

They also requested a written undertaking that he would refrain from making further defamatory statements about their client.

The letter warned that failure to comply would result in legal action, including claims for damages, public retraction and other court orders.

Responding on Tuesday via his X handle, Okonkwo dismissed the demand, saying he had not yet read the letter. He described Obi’s action as an attempt at extortion and insisted he would respond formally after reviewing the document.

Okonkwo also maintained that he was prepared to defend his claims in court if the matter proceeds to litigation.