Peter Obi has taken legal action against Kenneth Okonkwo, his kinsman and former ally. The former Anambra governor and NDC presidential candidate filed the suit through his lawyers.
Okonkwo, a Nollywood actor-turned-lawyer, had made serious allegations against Obi on live television. He claimed Obi and NDC leaders in the Southeast demanded N10 million bribes from House of Representatives aspirants.
Chief Alex Ejesieme, SAN, signed the legal document on June 9, 2026. He represents Obi's chambers, Alex Ejesieme (SAN) & Co. at Madiba Chambers.
According to the suit, Okonkwo alleged that aspirants had to pay the prescribed expression of interest fee first. Then they were told to pay the additional N10 million to the NDC and caucus leaders, the claim went.
Okonkwo further stated that documentary proof existed for these demands. He said receipts showing payment had been sent to him as evidence.
The actor-lawyer also claimed Obi personally wrote the party's candidate list from his hotel room. He identified the location as Johnwood Hotel.
Okonkwo warned the aspirants that Obi would scam them, according to the legal filing. He also alleged that Obi travels abroad to collect money from people.
Most damaging, he suggested Obi and NDC Southeast leaders were engaged in criminal activity. These remarks were broadcast live and spread rapidly online.
Obi's legal team flatly rejected every assertion. They described the allegations as false, baseless, and maliciously crafted.
In their response, the lawyers said the claims painted Obi as a bribe-taker and extortionist. They noted the statements suggested he was a fraudster and scammer of political aspirants.
The legal chambers emphasized the gravity of such imputations. Criminal conspiracy was among the charges Okonkwo had implied, they noted.
Obi's team stressed that these attacks targeted his character directly. His reputation, integrity, and public standing all came under assault, they argued.
The widespread circulation of the statements made matters worse. Video clips spread across social media platforms amplified the damage.
According to Obi's lawyers, the intent was clear and malicious. Okonkwo aimed to lower Obi in the eyes of decent-minded people, they contended.
Exposure to hatred, contempt, and ridicule resulted from the broadcast. Obi's hard-earned reputation as an honest statesman suffered harm, his team insisted.
The live television platform gave the statements particular reach and impact. Online republication and social media sharing amplified the falsehoods exponentially.
Obi categorically denies every allegation leveled against him. His legal team vows to pursue the matter vigorously.
The suit marks a significant rupture between the two men. Once allies, they now stand on opposite sides of court proceedings.
