The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has demanded N5 billion in damages and a public apology from actor-turned-politician Kenneth Okonkwo over alleged defamatory remarks made during a television interview.
In a letter dated June 9, 2026, Obi’s legal team, led by Alex Ejesieme (SAN), accused Okonkwo of making false and malicious allegations during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme on June 8. The lawyers said the claims, which were subsequently circulated by media organisations and online platforms, falsely linked Obi to bribery, extortion, fraud and other criminal conduct.
The legal team described the allegations as baseless and damaging to Obi’s reputation, demanding that Okonkwo retract the statements, publish an unreserved public apology and pay N5 billion as general, aggravated and exemplary damages within seven days.
The letter also requested a written undertaking preventing any further publication of allegedly defamatory statements, warning that failure to comply would trigger legal action, including claims for damages, injunctive reliefs and legal costs.
Reacting via X on Tuesday, Okonkwo dismissed the demand, claiming he had not yet reviewed the letter. He challenged Obi to proceed to court and insisted he would respond formally after reading the document, while suggesting any legal battle could expose information obtained during his time as Obi’s spokesperson.
