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The war of words between Peter Obi and his former spokesman, Kenneth Okonkwo, escalated on Wednesday, with the latter threatening to release “confidential information” amid a N5bn defamation suit filed by the former Anambra State governor.
Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, had through his lawyers demanded N5 billion in damages and a public apology from Okonkwo over alleged defamatory remarks made during a television interview.
In a letter dated June 9, 2026, Obi’s legal team, led by Alex Ejesieme (SAN), accused Okonkwo of making “false, malicious and defamatory allegations” during an appearance on Sunrise Daily, a Channels Television programme.
The lawyers said Okonkwo alleged that Obi and leaders of the NDC in the South-East collected N10 million from House of Representatives aspirants and N20 million from senatorial aspirants during the party’s primaries.
They added that Okonkwo also claimed there was documentary evidence to back the allegations, and that Obi personally compiled the party’s candidates list from a hotel room.
“The above statements… falsely and maliciously represent our Client as a person who demands, solicits, organises and collects bribes; who extorts, defrauds and swindles political aspirants… and is engaged in criminal conspiracy,” the letter read.
Obi’s legal team described the claims as “false, baseless, malicious, reckless and wholly unsupported by any fact,” demanding a retraction, a public apology with equal prominence, and a written undertaking to desist from further defamatory statements.
They warned that failure to comply within seven days would lead to legal action, including claims for aggravated damages and injunctive reliefs.
However, Okonkwo, in a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), dismissed the demand and took a combative stance, suggesting Obi could have approached him privately for financial support.
“It has been brought to my notice that there is a letter circulating online from the hypocrite, Peter Obi, and his lawyers that I should pay him N5bn.
Hahaha! If Peter Obi is looking for money to campaign, he should privately ask me for assistance… and I will help him,” he wrote.
The former Labour Party spokesman said he personally funded aspects of Obi’s 2023 campaign, including paying for his own flight tickets and hotel accommodation during campaign tours.
“I did so when I was his spokesperson, paying for my flight tickets and booking for my hotel accommodation to some of our campaigns,” he added.
Okonkwo also warned that any legal action could trigger the release of sensitive information he obtained while serving as Obi’s spokesman.
“Let me sound this note of warning, the lawyers must take responsibility for any information I may have to divulge, which I acquired as a spokesperson, but which by my conscience I have not shared with anyone,” he said.
“My principle is that I do not use any confidential information… except the person who becomes unintelligent enough to tow the line of foolishness.”
He further described the lawsuit as unwise, adding, “Anyone who decides to sue his former spokesperson for defamation is indeed very unwise.”
Okonkwo insisted he had yet to formally review the legal letter but promised to respond in due course.
“I will reply to the letter whenever I have the time to read it… It will be a shame to Peter Obi and his lawyers if they do not take this case to court. I don’t have time or patience for scammers,” he stated.
The unfolding dispute marks a deepening rift between both men, who were allies during the 2023 general elections, and signals a potential legal and political showdown ahead.
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