By Ghazali Ibrahim
Former Labour Party presidential candidate and 2027 Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, Peter Obi, has threatened legal action against his former ally, Kenneth Okonkwo, over alleged defamatory remarks made during a television interview.
In a letter dated June 9, 2026, Obi’s lawyers, Chief Alex Ejesieme (SAN) & Co., demanded that Okonkwo retract the statements, issue a public apology and provide a written undertaking not to repeat similar allegations.
The legal threat stems from comments Okonkwo allegedly made during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme on June 8. According to Obi’s legal team, the actor-turned-politician accused Obi and some NDC leaders in the South-East of demanding N10 million from House of Representatives aspirants in addition to official party fees.
The lawyers further alleged that Okonkwo claimed to possess documentary evidence, including receipts, to support the accusations. He was also said to have accused Obi of personally compiling party candidate lists, collecting money from political aspirants and engaging in fraudulent activities.
Obi’s legal representatives described the claims as “false, malicious, reckless and wholly unsupported by facts,” arguing that they portray the former Anambra State governor as corrupt, dishonest and involved in criminal conduct.
“The right to freedom of expression does not extend to the reckless destruction of another person’s reputation,” the lawyers stated.
As part of their demands, Obi’s legal team requested that Okonkwo publish an “unequivocal and unreserved” apology through the same platforms where the alleged remarks were made or circulated, including Channels Television and his social media accounts.
They are also seeking N5 billion in general, aggravated and exemplary damages for the alleged harm caused to Obi’s reputation and public standing.
The letter warned that failure to comply within seven days would result in legal proceedings, including claims for damages, injunctive reliefs, public retractions and litigation costs.
The dispute follows a recent fallout between both politicians. Okonkwo, a former Obi supporter, has publicly criticised the NDC leader in recent days after leaving the party and has since aligned himself with the presidential ambition of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for the 2027 election.
As of the time of filing this report, Okonkwo had not publicly responded to the legal demand.
