Welcome

Tag: Kenneth Okonkwo

  • Peter Obi Sues Kenneth Okonkwo for ₦8bn Over Defamation Claims

    The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has filed an ₦8 billion defamation suit against his former spokesperson, Kenneth Okonkwo, over allegations made during a television interview. The case was filed at the Anambra State High Court after Okonkwo allegedly failed to retract the claims despite an earlier legal demand.

    Alleged Defamatory Claims

    The dispute stems from comments Okonkwo made during an appearance on Channels Television on June 8, where he alleged that Obi collected ₦10 million each from House of Representatives aspirants and personally selected candidates for federal constituencies in the South-East.

    Following the interview, Obi, through his lawyer, Chief Alex Ejesieme (SAN), issued a seven-day ultimatum demanding a public retraction, apology and ₦5 billion in compensation.

    Okonkwo, however, rejected the demands in a response dated June 16, insisting that he stood by his allegations.

    Obi Seeks ₦8 Billion Damages

    In the suit filed on June 25, Obi described the television interview and subsequent social media posts by Okonkwo as false, malicious, baseless and defamatory.

    He is asking the court to award ₦5 billion as general damages for alleged injury to his reputation, ₦2 billion as aggravated damages for the continued publication of the claims after receiving the pre-action notice, and ₦1 billion as exemplary damages.

    Obi also wants the court to compel Okonkwo to publish an unreserved apology on Channels Television, the station’s YouTube platform, all his social media accounts and in three national newspapers within seven days of judgment.

    The suit further seeks an order directing the deletion of the alleged defamatory publications, a perpetual injunction restraining Okonkwo from making similar claims in the future, the cost of the suit and 10 per cent annual post-judgment interest on any monetary award.

    Former Ally Denies Allegations

    The court documents show that the writ of summons has been endorsed for service on Okonkwo in Enugu State.

    A key part of the controversy centres on claims that House of Representatives aspirant Obunike Ohaegbu told Okonkwo that Obi demanded ₦10 million from aspirants.

    However, Ohaegbu publicly denied making the allegation.

    Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on June 9, he said, “Peter Obi never told me to pay ₦10 million. I never told Kenneth Okonkwo that Peter Obi, in any way, told me to pay ₦10 million.”

    He also denied accusing the NDC South-East caucus of bribery or claiming that Obi compiled candidates’ names at a hotel in Abuja.

    Political Fallout

    Obi and Okonkwo were close political associates during the 2023 presidential election when the actor-turned-politician served as Obi’s spokesperson in the Labour Party.

    The two later joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of preparations for the 2027 elections before Obi moved to the NDC, where he emerged as the party’s presidential candidate. Since then, Okonkwo has become one of Obi’s strongest critics.

  • Kenneth Okonkwo Warns Obi: Leaving ADC Makes You a “Mobile Squatter”

    Veteran Nollywood actor and politician Kenneth Okonkwo has warned that any move by former presidential candidate Peter Obi to leave the African Democratic Congress (ADC) could damage his political credibility amid ongoing opposition coalition talks.

    What he said

    Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, Okonkwo reacted to speculation that Obi might exit the ADC if he fails to secure the party’s presidential ticket.

    “If he leaves, will he now be a mobile squadron? Anybody that leaves ADC for another party is a mobile squatter,” he said.

    He stressed that switching parties at this stage of coalition negotiations would raise serious concerns about political consistency.

    Concerns over coalition unity

    Okonkwo argued that any aspirant who exits the coalition platform during internal negotiations would be seen as politically compromised.

    According to him, such a move could weaken opposition unity ahead of future elections.

    “Anybody that goes out of the coalition is compromised and is working for Tinubu, whoever that person is,” he added.

    ADC and opposition talks

    The ADC has been at the centre of ongoing opposition realignment discussions involving key political figures.

    Among those linked to the talks are former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Minister Chibuike Amaechi, both reportedly interested in the party’s presidential ticket or broader coalition arrangement.

    What it means

    Okonkwo’s comments highlight growing tensions within opposition circles as parties and aspirants weigh their options ahead of future elections, with unity emerging as a key issue in the unfolding political landscape.