Peter Obi Formally Slams N8bn Lawsuit Against Kenneth Okonkwo For ‘Defamation’

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has formally filed a N8 billion lawsuit against his former ally and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Kenneth Okonkwo, for alleged defamation.

It was gathered that Obi filed the lawsuit at the Onitsha Judicial Division of the Anambra State High Court on Thursday.

Okonkwo, while appearing as a guest on a Channels TV programme, accused Obi of illegally collecting N10 million from NDC House of Representatives aspirants and also manipulating the results of the party’s primary election.

Meanwhile, Obi, a former Anambra state governor, had threatened to file a lawsuit against Okonkwo if he failed to withdraw his allegations against him, pay N5 billion as compensation and tender a public apology within seven days.

In response, Okonkwo, through a letter signed by his lawyer V. I. Uma, maintained that he stood by his words because he spoke out after receiving briefs from NDC aspirants who were allegedly defrauded and extorted by the NDC South-east caucus led by Obi.

According to court documents dated June 25, 2026, Obi is seeking N8 billion in damages.

The legal action is being pursued on Obi’s behalf by Chief Alex Ejesieme (SAN) of Alex Ejesieme, SAN & Co. (Madiba Chambers), Awka, Anambra State.

The writ, issued by the court and marked for service outside Anambra State in neighbouring Enugu State, directs Okonkwo to enter an appearance within 42 days of being served or risk judgment being entered against him in his absence.

In the suit, Obi contends that comments made by Okonkwo during the television interview, which was later uploaded to Channels Television’s YouTube platform and amplified through his verified social media accounts, were false, malicious and defamatory.

The former Anambra State governor is claiming N5 billion as general damages for alleged injury to his reputation, character, integrity, public image, political standing and goodwill.

He is also seeking N2 billion as aggravated damages, citing what he described as the breadth, persistence and repetition of the alleged defamatory statements, including publications made after his lawyers issued a demand letter dated June 9, 2026.

In addition, Obi is asking the court to award N1 billion in exemplary damages, arguing that the defendant deliberately repeated and amplified the allegations despite being notified of his complaint.

Beyond monetary compensation, the plaintiff is seeking several court orders, including a directive compelling Okonkwo to publish a full retraction and apology on Channels Television, its YouTube platform, his social media accounts and in three national newspapers.

Obi is also requesting an order directing the defendant to remove all publications containing the disputed allegations from platforms under his control and a perpetual injunction restraining him from making similar allegations in the future.

The suit further seeks post-judgment interest on any monetary award granted by the court, as well as the costs of the action.