SEPF Accuses Peter Obi of Intimidation Over Lawsuit

The South East Progress Forum (SEPF) has accused Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), of attempting to intimidate Kenneth Okonkwo, a former spokesman, by filing a N5 billion defamation lawsuit against him. The lawsuit, initiated by Obi's legal team led by Alex Ejesiem, was prompted by Okonkwo's allegations that Obi had defrauded and extorted the NDC caucus.

The SEPF condemned Obi's actions, arguing that the lawsuit reflects a phobia towards criticism and a disregard for democratic values, particularly freedom of expression. They highlighted Obi's history of legal threats against critics, including a previous case against media houses and activist Deji Adeyanju.

The forum warned Obi to leave Okonkwo alone, suggesting that his actions are reminiscent of autocratic behavior during his tenure as governor of Anambra State, where he allegedly stifled grassroots democracy.