A fresh political rift has erupted between former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his former ally, Kenneth Okonkwo, after Obi initiated legal action over what he describes as defamatory statements made against him by the actor-turned-politician.
According to reports, Obi, through his legal team led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Alex Ejesieme, issued a formal letter demanding an immediate retraction of the allegations, a public apology, and the payment of ₦5 billion in damages. The legal demand follows remarks allegedly made by Okonkwo in which he accused Obi and some political associates of demanding bribes and engaging in unethical political conduct. Obi has strongly denied the allegations, insisting that the claims are false, malicious, and damaging to his reputation.
In the letter, Obi’s lawyers argued that the statements portrayed the former Anambra State governor as a dishonest political figure involved in bribery, fraud, and criminal conspiracy. They maintained that such allegations have the potential to seriously damage his public image and standing both within Nigeria and internationally. The legal team further stated that the accusations exposed Obi to public ridicule, hatred, and contempt, making legal intervention necessary to protect his reputation. ..READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
As part of the demands, Obi is seeking a complete withdrawal of the statements and a public apology to be broadcast on national television and published across Okonkwo’s social media platforms. The former presidential candidate also wants a written undertaking from Okonkwo assuring that similar statements will not be made in the future. His legal representatives gave the former Labour Party chieftain a specified period to comply with the demands or face legal proceedings.
The letter warned that failure to comply would leave Obi with no option but to pursue legal redress in court, including claims for general, aggravated, and exemplary damages amounting to ₦5 billion or any higher amount a court may deem appropriate. The legal team also indicated that they could seek additional reliefs, including injunctions, public retractions, and recovery of litigation costs.
The dispute marks another chapter in the increasingly strained relationship between Obi and Okonkwo, who were once close political associates during the 2023 election campaign. In recent months, Okonkwo has become one of Obi’s most vocal critics, making a series of public comments that have generated debate within opposition political circles and among supporters of both men.
As of the time of reporting, Kenneth Okonkwo had not publicly responded to the legal demand. However, the development has already attracted significant attention across the country’s political landscape, with observers closely watching whether the matter will be resolved through an apology and retraction or proceed to a potentially high-profile court battle.
