Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has demanded N5 billion in damages from Kenneth Okonkwo over alleged defamatory remarks.
Obi’s lawyers made the demand in a letter dated June 9, 2026. The letter followed comments Okonkwo allegedly made on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme.
The legal team led by Alex Ejesieme (SAN) demanded a public apology, retraction and gave Okonkwo seven days to comply.
They warned that Obi would head to court if Okonkwo failed to meet the demands saying such remarks damages reputation.
According to the letter, Okonkwo accused Obi and NDC leaders in the South-East of collecting money from political aspirants allegedly claiming aspirants paid an extra N10 million after paying official nomination fees.
Okonkwo also reportedly said documentary evidence existed to support the allegation.
The lawyers said Okonkwo made several other claims including allegedly accusing Obi of compiling the party’s candidate list from a hotel room and claims that, Obi collected money from Nigerians abroad.
According to the letter, Okonkwo linked Obi to criminal activities and warned aspirants that Obi would “scam” them.
Obi’s legal team described the claims as false and malicious saying the statements portrayed him as corrupt and dishonest.
The lawyers argued that the remarks exceeded legitimate political criticism insisting that no evidence supports the allegations.
Obi wants Okonkwo to withdraw the statements immediately demanding an “unequivocal and unreserved” apology.
Obi seeks N5 billion in damages and an apology that must receive the same or greater publicity as the original remarks.
His lawyers said the sum reflects the damage done to his reputation and he wants a written undertaking from Okonkwo.
The document would prevent him from making similar claims in future while they would seek further remedies if necessary.
Okonkwo reacted in a post on his X account on Tuesday saying he had not yet read the letter.
However, he dismissed the N5 billion demand saying if Peter Obi is looking for money to campaign, he should privately ask him.
Okonkwo said he would respond formally after reviewing the letter challenging Obi to pursue legal action.
“It will be a shame to Peter Obi and his lawyers if they do not take this case to court,” he stated.
Okonkwo suggested that a lawsuit could trigger fresh disclosures saying he obtained information while serving as Obi’s spokesperson.
“Anyone who decides to sue his former spokesperson for defamation is indeed very unwise,” he added.
The dispute marks a major breakdown in relations between the former allies.
Observers expect the controversy to attract significant public and political attention.
If neither side backs down, the matter could end up in court.
