Peter Obi Demands Retraction, Apology, ₦5 Billion Damages from Kenneth Okonkwo Over Alleged Defamatory Remarks

Former Anambra State Governor and presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Peter Obi, has issued a formal legal demand to former Labour Party chieftain and actor-turned-politician, Mr. Kenneth Okonkwo, over statements allegedly made during a live television appearance that Obi’s legal team describes as false, malicious, and defamatory.
In a letter dated June 9, 2026, signed by Alex Ejesieme (SAN) of Madiba Chambers, Obi’s lawyers accused Okonkwo of making damaging allegations during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme on June 8, 2026.
According to the three-page demand letter, the statements were subsequently circulated by various media organizations and widely shared across social media platforms.
Allegations Identified by Obi’s Legal Team
The legal team outlined several claims allegedly made by Okonkwo, including assertions that:
Peter Obi and NDC leaders in the South-East demanded a ₦10 million bribe from House of Representatives aspirants after payment of official party fees;
Documentary evidence and receipts allegedly existed to support the claim;
Obi personally compiled the party’s candidate list from a hotel room;
Obi warned aspirants that they could be scammed;
Obi traveled abroad to collect money from individuals;
Obi and South-East NDC leaders were allegedly involved in criminal activities.
The lawyers argued that these statements portrayed Obi as a person involved in bribery, extortion, fraud, criminal conspiracy, and financial dishonesty.
“False, Baseless and Reckless”
The letter categorically rejected all the allegations, describing them as:
“false, baseless, malicious, reckless, defamatory and wholly unsupported by any fact.”
Obi’s legal representatives maintained that the statements were deliberately calculated to damage his public image, integrity, and standing as a political leader.
The letter further argued that while citizens are entitled to freedom of expression and political commentary, such rights do not extend to the publication of allegations that falsely accuse another person of criminal conduct.
Seven-Day Ultimatum
The legal notice gives Kenneth Okonkwo seven days from receipt of the letter to comply with a series of demands, including:
Immediate withdrawal of the alleged defamatory statements;
Publication of a clear and unconditional public apology to Peter Obi;
Dissemination of the apology through the same channels and platforms where the statements were allegedly made or circulated;
Ensuring the apology receives equal or greater prominence than the original publication;
Payment of ₦5 billion as general, aggravated, and exemplary damages;
A written undertaking to cease making or publishing similar statements concerning Obi.
Threat of Legal Action
The letter warns that failure to comply within the stipulated period would leave Obi with no option but to pursue legal action.
According to the notice, any court action may seek damages of ₦5 billion or a higher amount deemed appropriate by the court, alongside injunctive reliefs, public retractions, apologies, and recovery of legal costs.
Political Implications
The development marks a significant escalation in the ongoing public disagreement between Peter Obi and Kenneth Okonkwo, who were once political allies. The dispute has intensified in recent weeks following controversies surrounding the NDC’s internal primaries and allegations regarding candidate selection processes.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official public response from Kenneth Okonkwo to the legal demand.
The letter signals that the matter could soon move from the arena of political debate into the courtroom if the parties fail to reach a resolution within the seven-day period stipulated by Obi’s legal representatives.