The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 election, Peter Obi, has given actor-turned-politician Kenneth Okonkwo a seven-day ultimatum to retract what he described as false, malicious and defamatory allegations made against him.
Through his lawyer, Alex Ejesieme (SAN), Obi is also demanding a public apology and N5 billion in damages over the alleged harm caused to his reputation.
The demands were contained in a letter titled, “Demand for Immediate Withdrawal of False, Malicious and Defamatory Publications Against Mr. Peter Obi, Public Apology and Undertaking,” issued on behalf of the former Anambra State governor.
According to the letter, Obi’s legal team took exception to comments allegedly made by Okonkwo during a live appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme on June 8, 2026. The remarks were subsequently circulated across traditional and social media platforms.
The legal team alleged that Okonkwo 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 official nomination fees.
The letter further claimed that Okonkwo alleged Obi personally compiled the party’s list of candidates from a hotel room, warned aspirants that Obi would scam them, accused him of collecting money from individuals abroad, and linked him and other party leaders to criminal activities.
Reacting to the allegations, Obi’s lawyers described the claims as false, malicious and defamatory, arguing that they portrayed their client as a fraudster, extortionist and participant in criminal conduct.
“The above statements, in their natural and ordinary meaning, 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; and who, in concert with others, is engaged in criminal conspiracy and actively perpetuating criminality,” the letter stated.
The legal team maintained that the allegations lacked any factual foundation and were deliberately designed to damage Obi’s reputation, credibility and standing in the public eye.
While acknowledging the constitutional right to freedom of expression, the lawyers argued that such protection does not extend to the publication of false statements that accuse another person of fraud, criminality or dishonesty.
Consequently, Obi demanded that Okonkwo withdraw the statements in their entirety within seven days, issue an unequivocal public apology, and publish both the apology and retraction through the same platforms used to disseminate the allegations, including television broadcasts and social media channels.
The former presidential candidate also insisted that the apology be given equal or greater prominence than the original publication and requested a written undertaking from Okonkwo to refrain from making further defamatory statements about him.
In addition to the apology and retraction, Obi is seeking N5 billion in general, aggravated and exemplary damages.
The letter concluded with a warning that failure to comply with the demands within the stipulated period would leave Obi with no choice but to pursue legal action.
“Should you fail, refuse or neglect to comply with the above demands within the stipulated period, our client shall be left with no option than to seek legal redress against you without further recourse,” the letter stated.
