Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 election, Peter Obi, has issued a seven-day ultimatum to actor-turned-politician Kenneth Okonkwo, demanding the retraction of what he described as false and defamatory statements allegedly made against him.
Obi, through his lawyer, Alex Ejesieme (SAN), is also seeking a public apology and N5 billion in damages over claims he says have seriously damaged his reputation.
The demands were contained in a letter titled, “Demand for Immediate Withdrawal of False, Malicious and Defamatory Publications Against Mr. Peter Obi, Public Apology and Undertaking,” addressed to Okonkwo.
According to the letter, the dispute stems from comments allegedly made by Okonkwo during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme on June 8, 2026. The remarks were subsequently circulated across traditional media outlets and social media platforms.
Obi’s legal team accused Okonkwo of making several allegations, including claims that Obi and NDC leaders in the South-East demanded N10 million from House of Representatives aspirants in addition to official nomination fees.
The letter further alleged that Okonkwo claimed Obi personally compiled the party’s candidate list from a hotel room, warned aspirants that Obi would scam them, accused him of collecting money from Nigerians abroad, and linked him and party leaders to criminal activities.
Describing the statements as false, reckless and malicious, Obi’s lawyers argued that the allegations portrayed the former Anambra State governor as a fraudster, extortionist and participant in criminal conduct.
“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.
The legal team maintained that the allegations lacked any factual basis and were deliberately designed to tarnish Obi’s reputation and public image.
While acknowledging the constitutional right to freedom of expression, the lawyers stressed that such rights do not extend to making false statements that impute criminality, fraud or dishonesty to another person.
Consequently, Obi demanded that Okonkwo withdraw the statements in their entirety within seven days of receiving the letter and issue an unequivocal public apology.
The former Labour Party presidential candidate also requested that the apology and retraction be published through the same channels used to disseminate the allegations, including television broadcasts and social media platforms, and receive equal or greater prominence than the original statements.
In addition, Obi demanded a written undertaking from Okonkwo pledging not to publish or repeat similar allegations in the future.
The letter also seeks N5 billion in general, aggravated and exemplary damages for the alleged harm caused by the statements.
Obi’s legal team warned that failure to comply with the demands within the stipulated period would leave their client with no option but to initiate legal proceedings, including claims for damages, injunctive reliefs, public retraction and the full cost of litigation.
“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.