The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has said he will withdraw from the 2027 presidential election if any evidence released by Kenneth Okonkwo proves that he is unfit to hold public office.
Obi made the statement during an interview with media personality, Chude Jideonwo, while explaining the reason behind his defamation suit against Okonkwo.
Okonkwo, a former spokesperson of Obi’s presidential campaign, was recently appointed as spokesman of the African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.
Obi said the suit was not filed to silence Okonkwo or restrict his freedom of speech, but to compel him to substantiate repeated claims that he allegedly has damaging information against him.
The former Anambra State governor challenged Okonkwo to publicly release every “hidden” or damaging information he claims to have about him.
According to Obi, Nigerians deserve to know the true character, record and background of anyone seeking to lead the country before such a person is elected.
“I want Kenneth Okonkwo to bring out all the ‘hidden things’ that he has on me. If I am not qualified after his revelation, then I’ll stop running for the election,” Obi said.
He said Okonkwo had repeatedly claimed that, as his former spokesperson, he had access to sensitive information which he could disclose if provoked or sued.
Obi maintained that the purpose of the legal action was to make Okonkwo place those claims before the public and allow Nigerians judge for themselves.
“Kenneth Okonkwo said, as my spokesperson, he had so many hidden things that if he’s provoked or sued, he will bring them out. And that’s the only thing I’m suing him for—to bring those things out,” he added.
The NDC presidential candidate said the case should not be misunderstood as an attempt to suppress criticism, insisting that public office seekers must be open to scrutiny.
He argued that if any information released by Okonkwo shows that he lacks the integrity or qualification to contest the presidency, he would discontinue his ambition.
Obi’s comments come amid rising political exchanges ahead of the 2027 election and growing public interest in the relationship between him and Okonkwo following their political fallout.
The post “Peter Obi Vows To Quit 2027 Race If Okonkwo’s Claims Prove Him Unfit” — Says Defamation Suit Is To Force Evidence, Not Silence Criticism appeared first on TheNigeriaLawyer.
