The South East Progressives Forum (SEPF) has criticised former Anambra State Governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over his planned N5 billion defamation lawsuit against his former spokesman and political ally, Kenneth Okonkwo.
In a statement issued by its media unit, the group accused Obi of attempting to silence criticism through legal action following Okonkwo’s departure from his political camp.
The controversy stems from a pre-action notice issued by Obi’s legal team, demanding that Okonkwo retract alleged defamatory statements, tender a public apology, and pay damages or face a N5 billion lawsuit.
However, Okonkwo, through his lawyers, reportedly declined to withdraw the statements, maintaining that his comments were based on information provided by party aspirants and stakeholders.
Reacting to the development, SEPF argued that public figures should be open to scrutiny and criticism, alleging that the legal threat raises concerns about political tolerance and freedom of expression.
The forum further claimed that Obi had previously initiated legal actions against critics and media organisations, describing the latest dispute as part of a broader pattern of intolerance to dissent.
SEPF also warned against any attempt to intimidate political opponents or former allies, insisting that democratic engagement should accommodate differing opinions and constructive criticism.
Neither Peter Obi nor his representatives have publicly responded to the latest comments by the group as of the time of this report.
The dispute adds a new dimension to the growing political exchanges ahead of the 2027 general elections.
