Kenneth Okonkwo has thrown down a gauntlet at Peter Obi. The ADC chieftain warned he may expose secrets from his time as Obi's 2023 campaign spokesperson.
Okonkwo made the threat on Wednesday via X, formerly Twitter. This came after Obi's legal team demanded N5 billion in damages and a public apology.
Days earlier, Okonkwo had alleged that Obi and NDC leaders in the South-East collected N10 million from House aspirants. Senatorial candidates allegedly paid N20 million during party primaries, he claimed.
The NDC presidential candidate responded swiftly with the lawsuit. Okonkwo's Wednesday statement showed he wasn't backing down.
In his X post, Okonkwo questioned Obi's motives. "If Peter Obi needs campaign funds, he should ask me privately," he wrote.
He reminded Obi of his personal sacrifices during the campaign. Okonkwo said he paid for his own flight tickets and hotel bills.
The former actor then issued a stark warning to Obi's lawyers. They'd bear responsibility for whatever he decides to reveal, Okonkwo said.
He revealed he's been sitting on confidential information for ethical reasons. But provocation might change that calculation, according to him.
"Let me sound this note of warning," Okonkwo wrote on the social media platform. "The lawyers must take responsibility for any information I may divulge."
Okonkwo described suing a former spokesperson as unwise. He suggested it showed poor judgment on Obi's part.
He also took a swipe at his former principal's character. Okonkwo called Obi a "hypocrite" in his post.
According to Okonkwo, he won't use confidential information against someone unless they "become unintelligent enough" to provoke him. That appeared to be a direct jab at Obi.
He said he hadn't yet read the formal demand letter. Okonkwo asked followers online to send him a copy if they had it.
The statement ended with a challenge to Obi's legal team. Okonkwo said it would be shameful if they don't take the case to court.
He dismissed accusations of defamation dismissively. Okonkwo claimed he doesn't have time for what he called "scammers."
This feud between the two men marks a dramatic split. Just months ago, they'd worked closely together during the election campaign.
The dispute highlights tensions within Nigeria's opposition circles. Internal disagreements continue plaguing parties ahead of future elections.
Obi hasn't publicly responded to Okonkwo's latest comments yet. Political observers are watching to see how the legal battle unfolds.
