Obi Seeks N5 bn in Damages, Gives Kenneth Okonkwo Seven Days to Withdraw Allegations

By Henry Umoru

ABUJA — Peter Obi, the Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate for the 2027 election, has issued a seven‑day ultimatum to actor‑turned‑politician Kenneth Okonkwo, demanding that he retract what Obi calls “false, malicious and defamatory” statements made against him.

Through his lawyer, Alex Ejesieme, SAN, Obi is also seeking a public apology and payment of N5 billion in damages for the alleged harm to his reputation.

The demand was set out in a letter titled “Demand for Immediate Withdrawal of False, Malicious and Defamatory Publications Against Mr. Peter Obi, Public Apology and Undertaking,” issued by Ejesieme on behalf of the former Anambra State governor.

The letter notes that Obi’s legal team objected to remarks allegedly made by Okonkwo during a live appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme on 8 June 2026, which were later circulated on traditional and social media.

According to the letter, Okonkwo accused Obi and NDC leaders in the South‑East of demanding a N10 million payment from House of Representatives aspirants in addition to the prescribed nomination fees.

It further claims that Okonkwo alleged Obi personally compiled the party’s list of candidates from a hotel room, warned aspirants that Obi would scam them, accused him of collecting money from individuals abroad, and linked him and party leaders to criminal activities.

Obi’s lawyers described the allegations as “false, baseless, malicious, reckless and defamatory,” arguing that they portray their client as a fraudster, extortionist and participant in criminal conduct.

“The above statements, in their natural and ordinary meaning, falsely and maliciously represent our client as a person who demands, solicits, organises and collects bribes; who extorts, defrauds and swindles political aspirants of their money; and who, in concert with others, is engaged in criminal conspiracy and actively perpetuating criminality,” the letter states.

The legal team maintained that the allegations lack factual basis and were intended to damage Obi’s reputation and public standing.

It further argued that while freedom of expression is guaranteed, it does not extend to publishing false statements that impute criminality, fraud or dishonesty to another individual.

Consequently, Obi demands that Okonkwo, within seven days of receiving the letter, withdraw the statements in their entirety, issue an unequivocal public apology, and publish the retraction and apology through the same platforms used in disseminating the allegations, including television broadcasts and social media channels.

The former presidential candidate also requires that the apology receive equal or greater prominence than the original publication and that Okonkwo provide a written undertaking to refrain from making further defamatory statements about him.

In addition, Obi is seeking N5 billion in general, aggravated and exemplary damages.

The letter warned that failure to comply with the demands within the stipulated period would leave Obi with no option but to institute legal proceedings, including claims for damages, injunctive relief, public retraction and the full cost of litigation.

“Should you fail, refuse or neglect to comply with the above demands within the stipulated period, our client shall be left with no option than to seek legal redress against you without further recourse,” the letter states.

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