Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Mr. Peter Obi, has through his legal representatives issued a formal demand to actor-turned-politician Kenneth Okonkwo, seeking the immediate withdrawal of what he described as false, malicious, and defamatory statements allegedly made against him during a live television programme.
In a letter dated June 9, 2026, and signed by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Alex Ejesieme, Obi’s legal team accused Okonkwo of making a series of damaging allegations during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme on June 8, 2026.
According to the letter, the statements were subsequently circulated across various media platforms, including television, online news outlets, YouTube, and social media channels.
Among the allegations referenced in the legal correspondence were claims that Peter Obi and leaders of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the South-East allegedly demanded monetary payments from aspirants seeking elective positions, compiled candidate lists from a hotel room, collected funds from political actors, and were involved in activities described as criminal by the speaker.
Obi’s lawyers described the allegations as false, reckless, malicious, and completely unsupported by facts.
The legal team argued that the statements portrayed the former Anambra State Governor as a person involved in bribery, extortion, fraud, dishonesty, and criminal conspiracy, thereby damaging his reputation, integrity, and public standing.
According to the letter, Obi maintains that the allegations were deliberately made to lower his reputation in the eyes of the public and expose him to ridicule and contempt.
The legal representatives emphasized that while citizens are entitled to freedom of expression and political commentary, such rights do not extend to making statements that falsely impute criminal conduct or destroy another person’s reputation.
Consequently, the legal team demanded that Kenneth Okonkwo, within seven days of receiving the letter, withdraw the statements in their entirety, issue an unequivocal public apology, and publish the retraction and apology through the same channels where the original comments were made.
The letter further requested that the apology receive equal or greater prominence than the alleged defamatory publication.
In addition, Obi’s lawyers are demanding N5 billion as general, aggravated, and exemplary damages for the alleged injury caused to his reputation and public image.
The legal correspondence also seeks a written undertaking from Okonkwo to refrain from making or publishing any further statements considered defamatory against Obi.
The lawyers warned that failure to comply with the demands within the stipulated period would leave their client with no option but to pursue legal action, including claims for damages and other remedies available under the law.
The development marks the latest chapter in the ongoing political exchanges involving key figures within Nigeria’s opposition political landscape and is expected to generate significant public and legal interest in the coming days.
