Peter Obi Sues Kenneth Okonkwo for ₦8 Billion Over Alleged Defamatory Remarks

Former Labour Party presidential candidate and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) leader, Mr. Peter Gregory Obi, has instituted a defamation suit against actor-turned-politician, Mr. Kenneth Okonkwo, demanding ₦8 billion in damages and a series of court orders over comments allegedly made against him.
According to court documents filed before the High Court of Anambra State, Onitsha Judicial Division, Obi is seeking legal redress over statements allegedly made by Okonkwo during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on June 8, 2026, and subsequently amplified through social media platforms.
The suit, marked O/229/26, alleges that the statements made by the defendant were false, malicious, baseless, and defamatory, causing injury to Obi’s reputation, character, integrity, public image, political standing, and goodwill.
In the writ of summons, Obi is seeking ₦5 billion in general damages, ₦2 billion in aggravated damages, and ₦1 billion in exemplary damages, bringing the total claim to ₦8 billion.
The former Anambra State governor is also asking the court to compel Okonkwo to publish a full and unequivocal retraction and apology on Channels Television, the station’s YouTube platform, and across his social media accounts, including X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. The suit further seeks publication of the apology in three national newspapers with wide circulation.
Additionally, Obi is requesting an order directing the defendant to remove all allegedly defamatory content from his social media platforms and a perpetual injunction restraining him from making or circulating similar allegations in the future.
The court documents indicate that the allegations complained of include claims allegedly imputing bribery, fraud, scam, theft, extortion, criminality, or leadership of a criminal gang against the plaintiff.
Kenneth Okonkwo has been given 42 days from the date of service of the writ to enter an appearance before the court, failing which the matter may proceed in his absence.
As of the time of filing this report, Okonkwo had not publicly responded to the suit. The case is expected to generate significant political and legal interest given the previous political relationship between both men and their prominence in Nigeria’s opposition politics.