By Uchenna Simeon
Veteran Nollywood actor and politician Kenneth Okonkwo has responded to reports that former presidential candidate and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential hopeful for the 2027 election, Peter Obi, is demanding N5 billion in damages over alleged defamatory statements made against him.
Obi, through his lawyer, Alex Ejesieme (SAN), had issued a seven-day ultimatum to Okonkwo, demanding the withdrawal of what he described as false, malicious and defamatory remarks allegedly made during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme on June 8, 2026.
In the letter, Obi’s legal team accused Okonkwo of making allegations that portrayed the former Anambra State governor as a fraudster, extortionist and participant in criminal activities. The lawyers demanded a public retraction, apology and N5 billion in general, aggravated and exemplary damages.
Reacting to the development in a statement posted on X on Wednesday, Okonkwo dismissed the reported legal action and suggested that Obi was seeking funds for political activities.
“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!” Okonkwo wrote.
“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. I did so when I was his spokesperson, paying for my flight tickets and booking for my hotel accommodation to some of our campaigns,” he added.
Okonkwo further claimed that he personally covered some expenses during his time as Obi’s spokesperson, including transportation and accommodation costs associated with campaign activities.
The actor-turned-politician stated that he had not yet read the demand letter but warned that any legal proceedings could lead to the disclosure of information he obtained while serving as Obi’s spokesperson.
According to him, he had refrained from making public certain information out of principle but indicated that such restraint could change if the dispute ended up in court.
Okonkwo also challenged Obi and his legal team to proceed with the case, insisting that he was prepared to respond formally after reviewing the contents of the letter.
The legal dispute stems from comments allegedly made by Okonkwo during a television interview in which he reportedly accused Obi and leaders of the NDC in the South-East of demanding N10 million from House of Representatives aspirants in addition to the party’s prescribed nomination fees.
Obi’s lawyers also alleged that Okonkwo claimed the former governor personally compiled the party’s list of candidates from a hotel room, warned aspirants that Obi would defraud them, accused him of collecting money from individuals abroad, and linked him and other party leaders to criminal activities.
Describing the allegations as false, baseless and defamatory, Obi’s legal team maintained that freedom of expression does not extend to making statements that falsely impute criminality, fraud or dishonesty to another person.
The letter warned that failure by Okonkwo to withdraw the statements, issue a public apology and provide a written undertaking against further defamatory remarks within seven days would leave Obi with no option but to seek legal redress.
