Peter Obi Demands Retraction, Apology from Kenneth Okonkwo Over Alleged Defamatory Claims

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has through his legal representatives demanded the immediate withdrawal of what he described as false, malicious, and defamatory statements allegedly made against him by actor-turned-politician Kenneth Okonkwo.

In a letter dated June 9, 2026, issued by the law firm of Alex Ejesieme (SAN) & Co. (Madiba Chambers), Obi’s lawyers accused Okonkwo of making defamatory remarks during a live appearance on Channels Television’s “Sunrise Daily” programme on June 8, 2026.

According to the letter, the statements were subsequently published and circulated across various media platforms, including television, online news outlets, and social media channels.

The legal team specifically challenged allegations attributed to Okonkwo claiming that Peter Obi and leaders of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the South-East informed party aspirants that anyone seeking election into the House of Representatives would be required to pay a ₦10 million bribe to the party and caucus leaders after paying the prescribed expression of interest fee.

Obi’s solicitors described the allegations as false, malicious, and damaging to their client’s reputation. The letter therefore demanded an immediate withdrawal of the statements, a public apology, and an undertaking from Okonkwo to refrain from making similar allegations in the future.

The former Anambra State governor’s legal team maintained that the claims have the potential to lower his standing in the eyes of the public and expose him to ridicule and contempt.

The letter signals the possibility of further legal action should the demands not be met within the stipulated period.

The legal team representing former presidential candidate Peter Obi has expanded on allegations it says were falsely made against their client by Kenneth Okonkwo during a television interview.

According to the letter dated June 9, 2026, Obi’s solicitors stated that Okonkwo allegedly claimed that documentary evidence existed to support accusations that the former Anambra governor and leaders of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) demanded money from political aspirants.

The letter further listed other statements allegedly attributed to Okonkwo, including claims that:

• Documentary proof and payment receipts existed to substantiate the alleged demands;
• Peter Obi personally prepared and compiled a list of party candidates from his hotel room at the Johnwood Hotel;
• Obi wanted the alleged aspirants to regard him as a “saint”;
• Obi frequently travels abroad to collect money from individuals; and
• Obi and NDC leaders in the South-East are involved in criminal activities.

The lawyers argued that the statements, in their natural and ordinary meaning, portray Obi as a person who solicits, organizes, and collects bribes, defrauds political aspirants of their money, and engages in fraud, extortion, financial dishonesty, and criminal conduct.

According to the legal practitioners, the allegations are entirely false, baseless, malicious, reckless, and unsupported by any credible evidence. They maintained that the statements were deliberately designed to expose their client to public hatred, ridicule, contempt, and disrepute while damaging his reputation as a respected political leader.

The letter also expressed concern that the comments were made during a live television broadcast and subsequently circulated across numerous traditional and digital media platforms, giving the allegations widespread visibility.

Obi’s legal team argued that the remarks went beyond fair political commentary and constituted a direct attack on the former governor’s character, integrity, and public image. They insisted that the continued circulation of the statements has caused significant reputational damage to their client.

The lawyers consequently demanded the immediate withdrawal of the allegations, a public apology, and a formal undertaking against further publication of similar claims, warning that failure to comply could result in legal action.

Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has, through his lawyers, demanded an immediate retraction of allegedly defamatory statements made against him by Kenneth Okonkwo, along with a public apology and ₦5 billion in damages.

In a letter dated June 9, 2026, and signed by Alex Ejesieme (SAN) & Co., Obi’s legal team argued that while citizens are entitled to express opinions, freedom of speech does not extend to publishing false statements that accuse another person of criminality, fraud, dishonesty, or moral depravity.

The lawyers maintained that the statements allegedly made by Okonkwo were false, malicious, and damaging to Obi’s reputation and therefore demanded that he take corrective action within seven days of receiving the letter.

Among the demands outlined in the letter are:

1. Immediate withdrawal of all alleged defamatory statements in their entirety.
2. Issuance of a clear, unequivocal, and unreserved public apology to Peter Obi.
3. Publication of the withdrawal and apology through the same channels used to disseminate the allegations, including television, social media platforms, and other media outlets.
4. Ensuring that the apology receives equal or greater prominence and visibility than the original publication.
5. Payment of ₦5 billion to the law firm’s chambers as compensation for the alleged injury caused to Obi’s reputation, character, and public standing.
6. A written undertaking to cease and desist from making or publishing any further allegedly false or defamatory statements concerning Obi.

The legal team warned that failure to comply with the demands within the stipulated seven-day period would leave their client with no option but to initiate legal proceedings.

According to the letter, Obi would seek substantial general, aggravated, and exemplary damages, in addition to court orders compelling a public retraction and apology, as well as recovery of the full cost of litigation.

The development marks a significant escalation in the dispute between the former Labour Party presidential candidate and the actor-turned-politician, with the matter now potentially headed for the courts if no resolution is reached within the timeframe provided by Obi’s lawyers.