Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and former Governor of Anambra State, has demanded N5 billion in damages and an unreserved public apology from Kenneth Okonkwo over allegedly false, malicious, and defamatory statements made during a television interview.
In a pre-action letter dated June 9, 2026, signed by his legal team led by Alex Ejesieme (SAN), Obi accused Okonkwo of making baseless claims during his appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on June 8, 2026. The statements allegedly accused Obi and South-East leaders of demanding extra payments from House of Representatives aspirants beyond official nomination fees.
The letter demands that Okonkwo:
Immediately withdraw the defamatory statements.
Publish an unreserved apology on Channels Television and across all his social media platforms within seven days.
Pay the sum of N5 billion as general, aggravated, and exemplary damages for the grave injury caused to Obi’s hard-earned reputation, character, and public standing.
Obi’s legal team described the allegations as “false, baseless, malicious, reckless and defamatory,” noting that they were intended to tarnish his reputation as a man of integrity. The letter warns that failure to comply will result in legal action, including claims for higher damages, injunctive reliefs, public retraction, and full costs of the proceedings.
Peter Obi has consistently emphasized the importance of truth, accountability, and ethical conduct in public discourse, particularly among political actors and former associates.