Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The legal confrontation between the former allies has escalated dramatically, with the ex-spokesperson dismissing the demand as an attempt at extortion and daring his former principal to proceed to court.
The dispute stems from comments Okonkwo made during an appearance on Channels Television’s "Sunrise Daily" programme on Monday, June 8, 2026. In the interview, he alleged that Obi and leaders of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the South-East demanded bribes from the party's House of Representatives and senatorial aspirants after they had paid the prescribed expression of interest fees.
In a pre-litigation letter dated June 9, 2026, Obi’s legal team, led by Chief Alex Ejesieme (SAN), accused Okonkwo of making "false, baseless, malicious, reckless, defamatory and wholly unsupported by any fact" allegations. The letter specifically referenced claims that Okonkwo told television viewers that Obi’s leadership had informed aspirants they would have to pay a bribe of N10 million for a House of Representatives ticket after paying the official fee. The lawyers demanded that Okonkwo withdraw the statements, issue an "unequivocal and unreserved" apology, and pay N5 billion in damages, threatening to seek higher compensation and legal redress if the demands were not met within seven days.
Hours after the letter was leaked online, Okonkwo took to his X account on Wednesday, June 10, to issue a blistering reaction. He dismissed the legal threat as a fundraising ploy for the NDC presidential candidate's 2027 campaign. "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. "Hahaha! 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," he said.
The actor-turned-politician claimed he personally funded some of his expenses while working as the campaign’s spokesperson, paying for his own flight tickets and hotel accommodation for campaign activities. He further warned that any legal action could compel him to disclose confidential information he had kept private out of principle, a position that could change if the matter proceeds to court. He then issued a direct challenge to Obi, stating: "It will be a shame to Peter Obi and his lawyers if they do not take this case to court. I don’t have time or patience for scammers."
In what appears to be a strategic move to support his defence, Okonkwo on Wednesday made public what he described as documentary evidence, including alleged WhatsApp chats with an NDC House of Representatives aspirant, Obunike Ohaegbu. In the leaked conversation, Ohaegbu purportedly told Okonkwo: "I was scammed and the party blames PO," adding that Obi had written a list of candidates at the Johnwood Hotel in Abuja. Okonkwo wrote, "Obunike Ohaegbu, when I questioned him to prove that Peter Obi was responsible for demanding the N10m from him and other HOR aspirants and N20m from the Senate aspirants, he made it clear that when he confronted the Party on who authorised the payment, the party named Peter Obi and the caucus leaders who were assembled by Peter Obi".
Okonkwo insisted that the payments were a scam and called for a comprehensive investigation. "The appropriate security agencies and anti-corruption agencies should immediately commence the investigation of this fraud by NDC and its leaders with a view to refunding the aspirants who were defrauded," he said. However, the aspirant, Ohaegbu, has since publicly denied his private chat statements, creating further confusion.
This public falling-out is a dramatic development, as Okonkwo was a fervent supporter of the 2023 Obi-Datti campaign and served as the official spokesperson for the presidential campaign. The political rift was already widening; Okonkwo had recently defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and is now aligned with the camp of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar ahead of the 2027 elections.
The legal deadline for Okonkwo to meet Obi’s demands is June 16, 2026. The actor-turned-politician has shown no sign of backing down, instead daring the NDC candidate to follow through with his threat. As the clock ticks, the Nigerian political landscape watches to see if this war of words will be settled in a courtroom or if it signals the final and bitter collapse of a once-powerful political alliance.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com ✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments