ABUJA — Actor-turned-politician and spokesperson for Atiku Abubakar’s presidential campaign, Barr. Kenneth Okonkwo, has pushed back against the N5 billion defamation lawsuit filed against him by the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Peter Obi.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Okonkwo questioned the legal basis of the suit, insisting that the former Anambra State governor is taking legal action over statements he never made.

“A Defamation Suit Must Be Based on Words Spoken”

Addressing the court proceedings initiated by Obi’s legal team, Okonkwo argued that defamation actions under Nigerian law require proof of specific, uttered statements that directly damaged a claimant’s reputation—elements he claims are absent in Obi’s court filings:

“A defamation action should relate to statements that have already been made and allegedly damaged a person’s reputation. Obi’s lawsuit against me is based on statements I never made.”

— Kenneth Okonkwo (speaking on Channels TV’s Sunrise Daily)

Background to the Legal Battle

The legal feud between the former political allies stems from an earlier interview on Channels Television where Okonkwo allegedly made comments regarding party primaries and candidate selections within the NDC:

• The Pre-Action Demand: In a formal letter through his lead counsel, Chief Alex Ejesieme (SAN), Peter Obi demanded an immediate retraction, an unreserved public apology, and N5 billion in damages over claims that he solicited bribes or compiled candidate lists in an irregular manner.
• Obi’s Legal Position: Lawyers to the presidential candidate maintained that the statements went beyond permissible political comment, directly impugning Obi’s character, integrity, and public standing as a statesman.
• Okonkwo’s Defense: Okonkwo maintains that his comments were misinterpreted or fabricated in media reports, asserting that he will defend himself vigorously in court if the suit proceeds.

Suit Overview

  PLAINTIFF:           Peter Obi (Presidential Candidate, NDC)
  DEFENDANT:           Kenneth Okonkwo (Spokesperson, Atiku Abubakar Campaign)
  CLAIMS / DEMANDS:    N5 Billion in Damages, Retraction & Public Apology
  DEFENSE LINE:        Complete denial of alleged statements; absence of defamatory cause of action
  FORUM:               Federal High Court / FCT High Court, Abuja

From Allies to Legal Adversaries

The ongoing courtroom drama underscores the sharp political rift between Peter Obi and Kenneth Okonkwo, who previously served as a key spokesman during the 2023 campaign before breaking ranks over party leadership, campaign strategies, and political alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.

As legal teams assemble witness statements and video recordings from the live broadcast, political observers are watching to see whether the matter will proceed to full trial or end in a court-directed settlement.