EXPLOSIVE! Obi demands N5bn, Okonkwo threatens to spill secrets

*“It’ll be a shame if Obi doesn’t sue me,” former spokesman declares

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

A bitter feud between former Labour Party presidential candidate and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) leader, Peter Obi, and his former spokesman, Kenneth Okonkwo, has escalated, with Obi demanding N5 billion in damages over alleged defamatory remarks, while Okonkwo has vowed to challenge the move and dared the former Anambra governor to proceed to court.

In a letter dated June 9, 2026, Obi’s legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Alex Ejesieme, accused Okonkwo of making false, malicious and defamatory allegations during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme on June 8.

According to the letter, Okonkwo alleged that Obi and leaders of the NDC in the South-East demanded an additional N10 million payment from House of Representatives aspirants after they had paid the prescribed expression of interest fees.

The lawyers also accused Okonkwo of claiming that documentary evidence existed to support the allegation, that Obi personally compiled candidates’ lists from a hotel room, collected money from individuals abroad and was involved in activities amounting to fraud and criminal conduct.

Obi’s legal team argued that the allegations portrayed their client as a person involved in bribery, extortion, fraud, financial dishonesty and criminal conspiracy.

“The above statements, in their natural and ordinary meaning, and by necessary implication, falsely and maliciously represent our client as a person who demands, solicits, organises and collects bribes; who extorts, defrauds and swindles political aspirants of their money,” the letter stated.

The former Anambra governor is demanding a public retraction, an unreserved apology published with the same prominence as the original allegations, a written undertaking against further defamatory statements and payment of N5 billion as general, aggravated and exemplary damages.

The lawyers warned that failure to comply within seven days would leave Obi with no option but to seek legal redress, including claims for damages, injunctive reliefs and legal costs.

But in a swift reaction posted on his X handle, Okonkwo ridiculed the demand, suggesting that Obi was looking for funds to prosecute future political campaigns.

“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 N5bn. 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,” Okonkwo wrote.

The actor-turned-politician claimed that while serving as Obi’s spokesman, he personally funded some campaign-related expenses, including flight tickets and hotel accommodation.

Okonkwo further warned that Obi’s legal action could compel him to disclose information he acquired during his time as spokesman.

“Let me sound this note of warning, the lawyers must take responsibility for any information I may have to divulge, which I acquired as a spokesperson, but which by my conscience I have not shared with anyone,” he said.

He maintained that he had not yet read the legal letter but insisted he would respond in due course, adding that it would be a “shame” if Obi and his lawyers failed to pursue the matter in court.

Okonkwo also referenced a statement allegedly made by an NDC House of Representatives aspirant, Obunike Ohaegbu, who claimed he was “scammed” and that the party blamed Obi for the incident.

The dispute marks the latest chapter in the deteriorating relationship between Obi and Okonkwo, once close political allies during the 2023 presidential campaign.