Obi Sues Okonkwo for N5bn Over Bribery Allegations

Presidential candidate Peter Obi has launched legal action against politician and former actor Kenneth Okonkwo, demanding N5 billion in damages and a formal apology for statements made during a television broadcast. Obi's legal team, led by Chief Alex Ejesiem, submitted the demand letter on June 9, 2026, accusing Okonkwo of making false and malicious claims that have been circulated across multiple media platforms and online channels.

Okonkwo's allegations, aired during a television programme on June 8, 2026, involved claims that Obi collected payments ranging from N10 million to N20 million from aspirants seeking house of representatives and senatorial positions within the Nigerian Democratic Congress. Okonkwo released WhatsApp chats and documents he claimed supported these allegations, naming specific individuals and providing details of alleged transactions.

In response to the demand letter, Okonkwo dismissed the legal threat, suggesting that if Obi required campaign funds, he should request them directly rather than pursue legal remedies. This counter-response maintains Okonkwo's position on the original allegations while rejecting the characterization of his statements as defamatory.

The dispute marks an escalation in tensions between the two figures, who were previously aligned during the 2023 presidential election campaign. The demand letter sets a deadline for compliance, with Obi's legal team indicating that failure to meet the demands could result in higher damages being sought through court proceedings. The case has drawn attention to internal party dynamics and fundraising practices during election cycles in Nigeria.