Kenneth Okonkwo fires back at Peter Obi over alleged N5bn suit

Actor-turned-politician Kenneth Okonkwo has challenged Peter Obi, to proceed with a reported N5 billion defamation suit against him, insisting that allegations surrounding the alleged swindling of aspirants in the National Democratic Congress (NDC) should be investigated.

In a statement posted on social media and seen by Dockaysworld, Okonkwo claimed he had become aware of a letter allegedly issued by Obi and his lawyers demanding N5 billion in damages over comments he made regarding the conduct of NDC primaries.

The former Obi campaign spokesperson alleged that some aspirants were persuaded to purchase expression of interest forms but were later sidelined through the imposition of preferred candidates.

“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,” Okonkwo wrote. “It will be a shame to Peter Obi and his Lawyers if they do not take this case to court.”

Okonkwo said he had not yet read the letter but warned that legal action could compel him to disclose information he acquired while serving as Obi’s spokesperson.

He also referenced claims allegedly made by one Obunike Ohaegbu, described as an aspirant for the Nnewi North/Nnewi South/Ekwusigo Federal Constituency seat, who reportedly accused the party of defrauding aspirants and alleged that Obi was implicated by party leaders.

According to Okonkwo, Ohaegbu told him: “I am Obunike Ohaegbu, aspirant for Nnewi North/Nnewi South Ekwusigo Federal Constituency and I am saying that I was scammed and the party blames PO.”

The former spokesperson called on security and anti-corruption agencies to investigate the allegations and ensure that any aspirants who were wrongly made to pay nomination-related fees are refunded.

Okonkwo further cited comments he attributed to Seriake Dickson, who he said had stated that aspirants were only expected to pay for expression of interest forms, while nomination forms were to be paid for only by eventual primary election winners.

He argued that any payments beyond that arrangement should be scrutinised and refunded if found to be improper.

Neither Obi nor his legal team had publicly responded to Okonkwo’s latest remarks as of the time of filing this report. The allegations also remain unproven, and no official findings have been made by any investigative agency.