JUST-IN: Obi Files N5bn Defamation Suit Against Ex-Ally Okonkwo

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has filed a N5 billion defamation lawsuit against his former ally and member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Kenneth Okonkwo, over allegations he described as false and damaging to his reputation.

The suit was filed on Thursday at the Onitsha Judicial Division of the Anambra State High Court.

The legal action followed comments made by Okonkwo during an appearance on a Channels Television programme, where he accused Obi of defrauding and extorting N10 million each from aspirants seeking the NDC’s House of Representatives tickets. Okonkwo also alleged that Obi manipulated the outcome of the party’s primary elections.

Obi, a former governor of Anambra State and former Lanour Party presidential candidate, had earlier issued a seven-day ultimatum to Okonkwo, demanding a retraction of the allegations, and public apology to avoid legal action that will culminate in N5 billion in damages for the alleged defamation.

The ultimatum expired without compliance from Okonkwo, prompting Obi to proceed with the lawsuit.

In response to Obi’s demands, Okonkwo, through a letter dated June 16 and signed by his lawyer, V.I. Uma, rejected the claims and insisted that he stood by his statements.

According to the letter, Okonkwo maintained that his comments were based on complaints and briefs he received from NDC aspirants who allegedly claimed they were defrauded and extorted by the party’s South-East caucus, which he said was led by Obi.

The ADC chieftain argued that his remarks were made in the public interest and reflected concerns raised by aggrieved party members regarding the conduct of the party’s nomination process.

The lawsuit marked  a significant escalation in the feud between the two former political allies, whose relationship has deteriorated in recent months amid disagreements over party affairs and Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.