The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has demanded N5 billion in damages and a public apology from actor-turned-politician Kenneth Okonkwo over alleged defamatory statements made during a television interview.
Obi, through his lawyers led by Alex Ejesieme (SAN), accused Okonkwo of making false and malicious allegations during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme on June 8.
In a letter dated June 9, the legal team said Okonkwo alleged that Obi and leaders of the NDC in the South-East demanded N10 million bribes from aspirants seeking election into the House of Representatives after payment of the prescribed expression of interest fees.
The lawyers also said Okonkwo claimed there was documentary evidence of the payments and alleged that Obi personally compiled the party’s list of candidates from a hotel room.
According to the letter, the comments portrayed Obi as a person involved in bribery, extortion, fraud, financial dishonesty and criminal conduct.
The legal team described the allegations as false, baseless and defamatory, insisting that they had damaged Obi’s reputation and public standing.
Consequently, Obi demanded that Okonkwo withdraw the statements, publish an unreserved apology with the same prominence as the original publication and pay N5 billion as general, aggravated and exemplary damages.
The former Anambra State governor also demanded a written undertaking from Okonkwo to desist from making further defamatory statements against him.
The lawyers gave Okonkwo seven days to comply with the demands, warning that failure to do so would leave Obi with no option but to seek legal redress.
Reacting in a statement posted on his X handle, Okonkwo dismissed the demand, saying he had yet to read the letter.
He mocked the N5 billion claim and challenged Obi to proceed to court, stating that he would respond formally after reviewing the letter.
Okonkwo also maintained that he was prepared to defend his position if legal action was eventually instituted.
