Peter Obi plans N5 billion lawsuit against Kenneth Okonkwo

Peter Obi, the 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has threatened to sue his former ally Kenneth Okonkwo for N5 billion over alleged defamation.

In a letter to Mr Okonkwo signed by his lawyer, Alex Ejesieme, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr Obi accused the chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) of making false statements about him. This happened when Mr Okonkwo appeared on Channels TV’s Sunrise Daily on Monday.

Mr Obi and Mr Okonkwo used to be political allies. They were both in the Labour Party before moving to the ADC. Later, Mr Obi left for the NDC.

During the Channels TV program, Mr Okonkwo claimed that Mr Obi and the South-east caucus of the NDC demanded a N10 million bribe from House of Representatives aspirants to secure tickets for them.

He specifically said that a House of Representatives aspirant from Anambra State, Obunike Ohaegbu, sent him a message and receipt alleging that Mr Obi scammed him of N10 million. Mr Okonkwo said that after Mr Ohaegbu and other aspirants paid the bribe, they were told to go for primaries instead of being given tickets.

Mr Okonkwo also claimed that Mr Ohaegbu said Mr Obi stayed at Johnwood Hotel in Abuja instead of ensuring fair primaries. He accused Mr Obi of compiling a list of NDC candidates from there.

Mr Okonkwo argued that anyone who votes for the NDC and Mr Obi is supporting criminality, saying the party has been extorting aspirants.

Meanwhile, Mr Ohaegbu has denied making these statements. On Tuesday, he appeared on Channels TV’s Sunrise Daily and said he had never told Mr Okonkwo that Mr Obi asked him to pay N10 million.

"I am telling you that Peter Obi never told me to pay N10 million. I never told Kenneth Okonkwo that Peter Obi, in any way, told me to pay N10 million," he said.

Mr Ohaegbu added that he did not accuse the NDC South-east caucus of bribery. He clarified that he only mentioned an allegation about a list being prepared in Johnwood without naming anyone.

Mr Obi rejected the claims and said the allegations paint him as a bribe collector and dishonest politician. He described the statements as damaging and reckless.

“These are extremely grave, damaging and reckless imputations of bribery, extortion, fraud, financial dishonesty and criminality directed at my character and reputation,” he said.

Mr Obi stated that Mr Okonkwo made these allegations to expose him to hatred and ridicule, damaging his reputation.

He demanded that Mr Okonkwo withdraw the defamatory statements and apologize on Channels TV and all his social media within seven days.

Mr Obi also wants Mr Okonkwo to pay N5 billion as damages for the harm done to his reputation. He asked Mr Okonkwo to promise not to make or spread such defamatory statements again.

“Take notice that should you fail to comply with the above demands within the stipulated period, our client (Peter Obi) shall have no option but to seek legal action against you,” the letter stated.

The letter explained that this action could include claims for damages in the sum of N5 billion and other legal costs.

As of now, Mr Okonkwo has not publicly responded to the letter.