Actor turned politician Kenneth Okonkwo has responded to a legal threat from former ally and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi over allegations he made during a television interview.
Obi, through his lawyer Alex Ejesieme (SAN), demanded a retraction, public apology and N5 billion in damages over comments made by Okonkwo on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily. Obi described the allegations as false, malicious and defamatory.
The dispute stems from claims made by Okonkwo that Obi and some NDC leaders in the South East collected N10 million from House of Representatives aspirants and N20 million from senatorial aspirants during the party’s primary process. He alleged that one of the aspirants, Obunike Ohaegbu, informed him of the payments and sent him a receipt as evidence.
Obi rejected the allegations, saying they portrayed him as “a bribe collector, fraudster and dishonest political actor who is engaged in criminal conspiracy.”
“These are extremely grave, damaging and reckless imputations of bribery, extortion, fraud, financial dishonesty and criminality directed at the character, integrity, reputation and public standing of my person,” he said.
His legal team gave Okonkwo seven days to withdraw the statements, apologise publicly on Channels Television and across his social media platforms, and undertake not to repeat the allegations. They also demanded N5 billion as general, aggravated and exemplary damages.
Reacting on X on Wednesday, Okonkwo said he had become aware of the circulating legal letter and mocked the demand for damages.
“It has been brought to my notice that there is a letter circulating online from the hypocrite, Peter Obi, and his Lawyers that I should pay him N5b. Hahaha! If Peter Obi is looking for money to campaign, he should privately ask me for assistance, not come from extortion, and I will help him,” he wrote.
Okonkwo also shared what he described as WhatsApp exchanges with Ohaegbu, claiming they supported his allegations. According to him, Ohaegbu told him that party officials said Obi and caucus leaders authorised the payments.
“I will reply to the letter whenever I have the time to read it later in the day. Please send it here if you have it. It will be a shame to Peter Obi and his Lawyers if they do not take this case to court. I don’t have time or patience for scammers,” he added.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that Ohaegbu has denied making some of the claims attributed to him.
Okonkwo and Obi were once political allies in the Labour Party. Both later joined the African Democratic Congress before Obi moved to the NDC ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
