Kenneth Okonkwo Rejects Obi’s N5bn Defamation Claim

Kenneth Okonkwo Rejects Obi’s N5bn Defamation Claim

Peter Obi and actor-turned-politician Kenneth Okonkwo have become locked in a fresh legal and political dispute after the former presidential candidate demanded N5 billion in damages over remarks made during a television interview.

The action followed claims allegedly made by Okonkwo concerning the internal affairs of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and its candidate selection process.

The disagreement began after Obi’s legal team accused Okonkwo of making statements they described as damaging to his reputation.

The lawyers sought a retraction, public apology and a commitment against repeating the claims.

The dispute centres on allegations of ticket sales, financial demands on aspirants and claims about how candidates emerged within the party.

In a response through his lawyers, Okonkwo rejected the allegations and insisted his comments were based on complaints from party aspirants who approached him.

He claimed some aspirants accused party leaders of collecting large sums during the nomination process and alleged that certain decisions were influenced by powerful figures within the party.

He also accused Obi of attempting to silence criticism through legal pressure.

The former Obi ally further alleged that aspirants in parts of the South-East paid millions of naira while seeking party tickets.

He maintained that his television comments were aimed at exposing what he described as questionable practices within the party.

The dispute has now opened another chapter in the growing political fallout between the two former associates.