By Eshioromeh Sebastian
Kenneth Okonkwo, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has thrown down the gauntlet at Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), daring him to follow through with his threat of a N5 billion defamation lawsuit.
Okonkwo has also warned Obi that he may be forced to divulge confidential information if the matter proceeds to court.
The Nollywood actor turned politician issued the challenge in a series of posts on X on Wednesday, responding to a legal letter from Obi’s counsel demanding substantial damages over allegations Okonkwo made during a television interview.
The escalating feud marks a dramatic fallout between two men who were once close allies, with Okonkwo having served as a spokesperson for Obi’s presidential campaign during the 2023 election cycle.
The Allegations That Sparked the Feud
During an interview on Channels Television on Monday, Okonkwo alleged that Obi and the south-east caucus of the NDC demanded bribes from house of representatives and senate hopefuls in exchange for party tickets.
He specifically claimed that Obunike Ohaegbu, an NDC aspirant for the house of representatives ticket in Anambra, had sent him a message alleging that Obi scammed him to the tune of N10 million.
On Tuesday, however, Ohaegbu appeared on the same television programme to deny the allegations, stating that he paid N10 million to the NDC bank account based on information from the party’s national secretary — not to Obi personally.
Obi Fires Back with Lawsuit Threat
Subsequently, Obi’s legal team issued a letter threatening a defamation lawsuit against Okonkwo and demanding N5 billion “as general, aggravated and exemplary damages for the grave injury occasioned to his hard-earned reputation.”
But rather than retreat, Okonkwo doubled down.
Okonkwo’s Explosive Response
In his X posts, Okonkwo released screenshots of WhatsApp conversations with a contact saved as “Obunike Ohaegbu” in an apparent bid to substantiate his claims.
“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 N5b. Hahaha!” Okonkwo wrote.
“If Peter Obi is looking for money to campaign, he should privately ask me for assistance, not come from extortion, and I will help him. I did so when I was his Spokesperson paying for my flight tickets and booking for my hotel accommodation to some of our campaigns.”
But it was his warning about confidential information that raised the stakes significantly.
“I have not read the letter. 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,” Okonkwo stated.
“My principle is that I do not use any confidential information I share with anyone against the person except the person who becomes unintelligent enough to tow the line of foolishness. Anyone who decides to sue his former Spokesperson for defamation is indeed very unwise.”
A Direct Dare
The ADC chieftain left no room for ambiguity, directly challenging Obi and his legal team to proceed with the lawsuit.
“I will reply to the letter whenever I have the time to read it later in the day. Please send it here if you have it. It will be a shame to Peter Obi and his Lawyers if they do not take this case to court.”
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