ONITSHA, NIGERIA — In a stunning political and legal twist, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general elections, Mr. Peter Gregory Obi, has initiated legal proceedings against his former presidential campaign spokesperson and prominent Nollywood actor-turned-politician, Mr. Kenneth Okonkwo.
The frontline politicians, who were fiercely united during the 2023 political campaigns, are now set to face off in a court of law.
According to a Certified True Copy (CTC) of a court document obtained by our correspondents, the lawsuit was filed at the High Court of Anambra State, within the Onitsha Judicial Division.
Details of the Lawsuit
The document, a Writ of Summons with Suit No: O/229/26, officially lists Mr. Peter Gregory Obi as the Plaintiff and Mr. Kenneth Okonkwo as the Defendant.
The writ, formally dated today, June 25, 2026, is a “Specially Endorsed Writ for Service outside Jurisdiction.” It commands Kenneth Okonkwo to cause an appearance to be entered for him in the Onitsha High Court within 42 days of being served.
The document reads in part:
“To Mr Kenneth Okonkwo of NPR Ofuluonu, Nsukka, Enugu State… you are hereby commanded that within 42 (forty-two) days after the service of this Writ on you, inclusive of the day of such service, you do cause an appearance to be entered for you in the High Court of Anambra State, Onitsha Judicial Division, in an action at the suit of Mr Peter Gregory Obi; and take notice that in default of your so doing, the Plaintiff may proceed and judgment may be given in your absence.”
The document bears the official stamp of the High Court of Justice, Onitsha, and is certified by the Deputy Director, Chineme M.A., confirming its authenticity.
The Fallout: From Allies to Adversaries
While the specific statement of claim detailing the exact grounds of the lawsuit—whether it borders on defamation, breach of contract, or financial disputes—has not yet been made fully public, this litigation marks the ultimate collapse of what was once a powerful political alliance.
Loading ...Kenneth Okonkwo, a veteran actor and lawyer, served as a fiery defender of Peter Obi and the “Obidient” movement during the tempestuous 2023 election cycle. However, rift lines began to appear in the months following the elections. Okonkwo had publicly expressed strong reservations regarding the leadership direction of the Labour Party and Obi’s handling of internal party crises, culminating in his public dissociation from the camp.
With this writ issued out of Anambra State—Obi’s home state and political stronghold—the stage is set for a high-octane legal showdown that will undoubtedly reverberate across Nigeria’s political landscape.
What Happens Next?
Under the rules of the Anambra State High Court, the defendant, Mr. Okonkwo, has a 42-day window from the day of service to formally enter an appearance through his legal team and file his defense. Failure to do so may compel the court to give a default judgment in favor of Peter Obi.
This is a rapidly developing story. Our reporters are working to obtain the full statement of claim to uncover the exact grievances filed by the former Anambra State Governor against his erstwhile ally. Stay tuned for updates.
