Former Anambra State Governor and presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has filed a N5 billion defamation lawsuit against his former ally, actor-turned-politician Kenneth Okonkwo.
The suit was filed on Thursday before the Anambra State High Court in Onitsha, following allegations made by Okonkwo during a television interview.
Okonkwo, who is now a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), had claimed during an appearance on Channels Television that Obi collected N10 million from House of Representatives aspirants under the NDC and manipulated the party’s primary election process.
The allegations quickly generated public attention and sparked political reactions.
Before initiating legal proceedings, Obi reportedly issued a formal demand giving Okonkwo seven days to withdraw the statements, publish a public apology, and pay N5 billion in damages for the alleged defamatory remarks.
According to reports, the demands were not met within the stipulated period, prompting Obi to proceed with legal action.
The lawsuit seeks damages for what Obi considers false and defamatory statements that could damage his reputation and political standing.
Neither Peter Obi nor Kenneth Okonkwo has publicly commented in detail on the court proceedings since the case was filed.
The legal dispute marks a significant escalation in the breakdown of the relationship between the two politicians, who were once close political allies.
Kenneth Okonkwo served as one of Peter Obi’s prominent spokespersons during the 2023 presidential campaign before later parting ways with him over political differences.
Since leaving Obi’s political camp, Okonkwo has become associated with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), where he has remained vocal on national political issues.
The case is expected to proceed before the Anambra State High Court, which will determine whether Okonkwo’s statements were defamatory and whether Obi is entitled to the damages sought.
The lawsuit adds another chapter to the growing political tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections, as prominent political figures continue to reposition and publicly challenge one another.
