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Kenneth Okonkwo, prominent Nigerian actor, lawyer, and African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain, has hit back at Peter Obi’s N5 billion defamation threat, accusing the former Labour Party presidential candidate of seeking campaign funds through legal intimidation.
In response to a pre-action letter from Obi’s legal team demanding N5 billion in damages and a public apology over remarks made during a recent Channels Television interview, Okonkwo challenged Obi to proceed to court if he believes he has a case.
Okonkwo stated: “If Peter Obi is looking for money to campaign, he should privately ask me for assistance, not come through extortion, and I will help him.”
He maintained that his statements were based on verifiable facts and not intended to defame, describing the legal threat as unwise, especially coming from a former political ally.
The controversy arose from Okonkwo’s allegations on Channels TV’s Sunrise Daily on June 8, where he claimed that Obi and South-East leaders demanded extra payments from House of Representatives aspirants beyond official nomination fees. Obi’s lawyers have labeled these claims as false, malicious, and damaging to his reputation.
Okonkwo has reiterated that he stands by his statements and is fully prepared to defend them in court with evidence. He promised a more detailed formal response after fully reviewing the pre-action notice.