Obi demands 5bn damages in a growing legal dispute after the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, issued a seven-day ultimatum to actor-turned-politician Kenneth Okonkwo over alleged defamatory statements. Obi is also demanding a full retraction, a public apology, and financial compensation over claims he described as false and damaging to his reputation.
Obi, through his counsel, Alex Ejesieme, SAN, is also demanding a public apology and full retraction of the claims, which he described as false, malicious, and damaging to his reputation. The legal action follows remarks allegedly made during a live television appearance.
The demand was contained in a formal letter titled “Demand for Immediate Withdrawal of False, Malicious and Defamatory Publications Against Mr. Peter Obi, Public Apology and Undertaking.” The letter referenced Okonkwo’s alleged statements on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on June 8, 2026.
According to Obi’s legal team, the statements were later circulated across traditional and social media platforms, amplifying their reach and impact. The controversy has since drawn significant public attention within political circles.
The Obi demands 5bn damages claim is based on allegations that Okonkwo accused Obi and some leaders of the NDC in the South-East of demanding payments from House of Representatives aspirants. He also allegedly claimed that Obi compiled candidate lists from a hotel room and warned aspirants about being misled.
The legal team further stated that Okonkwo accused Obi of receiving funds from individuals abroad and suggested involvement in criminal conduct. These allegations were strongly denied and described as defamatory.
“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; and who, in concert with others, is engaged in criminal conspiracy and actively perpetuating criminality,” the letter stated.
Obi’s lawyers argued that while freedom of expression is protected, it does not extend to publishing unverified statements that damage reputations or imply criminal activity.
As part of the Obi demands 5bn damages action, the former presidential candidate is requiring Okonkwo to withdraw the statements in their entirety within seven days. He is also demanding an unreserved public apology and publication of the retraction across all platforms where the claims were made.
The apology, according to the demand letter, must carry equal or greater visibility than the original publication. Obi is also requesting a written undertaking from Okonkwo not to repeat the alleged defamatory statements.
In addition to the retraction and apology, Obi is seeking N5 billion in general, aggravated, and exemplary damages for reputational harm.
The letter warned that failure to comply within the stipulated timeframe would result in legal proceedings. These would include claims for damages, injunctive reliefs, public retraction orders, and recovery of legal costs.
“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 stated. The dispute highlights rising tensions within Nigeria’s political space as legal battles increasingly intersect with public statements and media commentary.
