Pic: L-R: Mr Peter Obi and Barr Kenneth Okonkwo
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has threatened to sue former ally and African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain, Kenneth Okonkwo, for N5 billion over alleged defamatory remarks made against him on national television.
In a pre-action letter signed by his lawyer, Alex Ejesieme (SAN), Obi accused Okonkwo of falsely alleging that he and members of the NDC South-East caucus collected N10 million from House of Representatives aspirants in exchange for party tickets.
Aspirant Denies Allegations
Okonkwo had claimed that Anambra politician, Obunike Ohaegbu, informed him that aspirants paid the money but were later asked to participate in primaries.
However, Ohaegbu has publicly denied making the claims, insisting that Obi never demanded money from him and that he never told Okonkwo any such story.
Obi: Claims Damaging, False
Obi described the allegations as false, reckless and damaging to his reputation, saying they portrayed him as a fraudster and participant in criminal activities.
He demanded that Okonkwo retract the statements and publish an apology on Channels Television and across his social media platforms within seven days.
N5bn Damages Demand
The former Anambra governor is also demanding N5 billion in general, aggravated and exemplary damages, as well as a written undertaking that Okonkwo will not repeat the allegations.
Obi warned that failure to comply with the demands would leave him with no option but to seek legal redress in court.
Tags: Peter Obi, Kenneth Okonkwo, N5bn Lawsuit, Defamation, NDC, ADC, 2027 Election, Nigerian Politics.
