Peter Obi Draws Battle Line With Kenneth Okonkwo Over Alleged Defamation

Peter Obi Draws Battle Line With Kenneth Okonkwo Over Alleged Defamation

 

 

OpenLife Nigeria reports that former presidential candidate and ex-Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, has initiated legal action against actor-turned-politician Kenneth Okonkwo over what his lawyers described as false, malicious and defamatory statements made during a live television programme.

In a letter dated June 9, 2026, and signed by Chief Alex Ejesieme (SAN) of Alex Ejesieme (SAN) & Co. (Madiba Chambers), Obi demanded an immediate withdrawal of the alleged defamatory remarks, a public apology, and the payment of ₦5 billion in damages.

The legal demand followed comments allegedly made by Okonkwo during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme on June 8, 2026. According to Obi’s legal team, the statements were subsequently circulated by several media organizations and widely shared across online and social media platforms.

The letter alleged that Okonkwo accused Obi and leaders of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the South-East of demanding a ₦10 million payment from House of Representatives aspirants in addition to official nomination fees. Obi’s lawyers also claimed that Okonkwo alleged that the former presidential candidate was involved in fraudulent activities, collected money from aspirants from a hotel room, traveled abroad to collect money from individuals, and was engaged in criminal conduct alongside party leaders.

Describing the allegations as “false, baseless, malicious, reckless and wholly unsupported by any fact,” Obi’s legal team maintained that the statements were designed to damage the reputation and public standing of their client.

“The above statements falsely portray our client as a person who solicits and collects bribes, defrauds political aspirants, engages in criminal conspiracy and perpetuates criminality,” the letter stated.

According to the lawyers, the allegations have caused serious injury to Obi’s reputation as a political leader and statesman and have exposed him to public ridicule and contempt.

Consequently, Obi demanded that Okonkwo, within seven days of receiving the letter, withdraw the statements in their entirety, publish an unequivocal public apology, and ensure that the apology receives the same or greater prominence as the original publication.

The former Labour Party presidential candidate also demanded the payment of ₦5 billion as general, aggravated and exemplary damages for the alleged injury caused to his reputation.

Additionally, Obi requested a written undertaking from Okonkwo committing to refrain from making or publishing any further statements deemed false or defamatory against him.

The legal team warned that failure to comply with the demands within the stipulated period would leave their client with no option but to institute legal proceedings, including claims for damages, injunctive reliefs, public retraction, apology, and the recovery of litigation costs.

As of the time of filing this report, Kenneth Okonkwo had not publicly responded to the legal demand and attempts by The Radiant News to reach him for comment and reactions proof abortive.