By Charles Chijioke
Afrilensnews reports that Kenneth Okonkwo, a prominent member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has cautioned former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, against pursuing a proposed N5 billion defamation lawsuit, warning that legal action could compel him to disclose confidential information obtained during his time as Obi’s campaign spokesperson.
The latest development marks a significant escalation in the growing feud between the former political allies, who worked closely together during the 2023 presidential election campaign under the Labour Party platform.
The dispute stems from allegations made by Okonkwo during a recent television interview, where he claimed that Obi and members of the south-east caucus of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) demanded financial payments from aspirants seeking party tickets for the Senate and House of Representatives.
Okonkwo specifically alleged that Obunike Ohaegbu, an aspirant for a House of Representatives ticket in Anambra State, informed him that he had been defrauded of N10 million during the party’s primary process.
However, Ohaegbu later appeared on the same television programme and refuted the allegation, explaining that the N10 million payment was made into the NDC’s official bank account based on instructions from the party’s national secretary and not to Peter Obi personally.
Following the controversy, Obi, through his legal representatives, reportedly demanded N5 billion in damages from Okonkwo over what he described as defamatory remarks that damaged his reputation.
Reacting in a series of posts on X, Okonkwo dismissed the lawsuit threat and challenged Obi to proceed to court.
“It has been brought to my notice that there is a letter circulating online from the hypocrite, Peter Obi, and his Lawyers that I should pay him N5b. Hahaha!,” Okonkwo wrote.
He further stated: “If Peter Obi is looking for money to campaign, he should privately ask me for assistance, not come from extortion, and I will help him. I did so when I was his Spokesperson paying for my flight tickets and booking for my hotel accommodation to some of our campaigns.”
The former Labour Party chieftain also suggested that a court case could expose information he has so far chosen not to make public.
“I have not read the letter. Let me sound this note of warning, the Lawyers must take responsibility for any information I may have to divulge, which I acquired as a spokesperson, but which by my conscience I have not shared with anyone,” he said.
“My principle is that I do not use any confidential information I share with anyone against the person except the person who becomes unintelligent enough to tow the line of foolishness. Anyone who decides to sue his former Spokesperson for defamation is indeed very unwise.”
Okonkwo maintained that he would respond formally after reviewing the legal correspondence and insisted that Obi’s legal team should proceed with the matter in court.
“I will reply to the letter whenever I have the time to read it later in the day. Please send it here if you have it. It will be a shame to Peter Obi and his Lawyers if they do not take this case to court,” he added.
The dispute is attracting growing political attention because both men were key figures in the opposition movement that gained significant national support during the 2023 elections.
Analysts believe that a prolonged legal battle could further deepen divisions among supporters and potentially influence political alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Neither Obi nor his legal team had publicly responded to Okonkwo’s latest comments at the time of filing this report.
