Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 election, Peter Obi, has demanded a public retraction and apology from actor-turned-politician, Kenneth Okonkwo, over comments he describes as false and defamatory.
Obi has also demanded N5bn ($3.2m) in damages and given Okonkwo seven days to withdraw the statements or face legal action.
The demand was contained in a letter issued by Obi’s lawyer, Alex Ejesieme, on behalf of the former Anambra State governor.
According to the letter, the dispute stems from remarks allegedly made by Okonkwo during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme on 8 June and later circulated on social media and other platforms.
Obi’s legal team said Okonkwo accused him and leaders of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the South-East of demanding N10m from House of Representatives aspirants in addition to official nomination fees.
The letter further alleged that Okonkwo claimed Obi personally selected party candidates from a hotel room, warned political aspirants that Obi would scam them, accused him of collecting money from individuals abroad and linked him to criminal activities.
Obi’s lawyers described the allegations as “false, baseless, malicious, reckless and defamatory”, arguing that they portray 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,” the letter stated.
The legal team maintained that the claims lacked factual basis and were intended to damage Obi’s reputation and standing in public life.
While acknowledging the right to freedom of expression, the lawyers argued that the right does not extend to making false allegations that suggest criminality, fraud or dishonesty.
As part of the demands, Obi is seeking an immediate withdrawal of the statements, a public apology and a written undertaking that no further defamatory remarks will be made against him.
The former presidential candidate also wants the apology and retraction to be published through the same channels used to disseminate the allegations, including television broadcasts and social media platforms, and with equal or greater prominence.
In addition, he is seeking N5bn in general, aggravated and exemplary damages for the alleged harm to his reputation.
The letter warned that failure to comply within seven days would leave Obi with no option but to pursue legal action, including claims for damages, injunctive relief and the costs of litigation.
“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 said.
