Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The House of Representatives aspirant for Nnewi North, Nnewi South and Ekwusigo Federal Constituency, Obunike Ohaegbu, has refuted claims that the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, demanded bribe payments from him or any other aspirant. Ohaegbu clarified on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, during an appearance on Channels Television that the disputed ₦10 million was not a bribe, but was paid directly into the NDC’s official bank account in compliance with party nomination procedures.
His reaction followed allegations made earlier by Nollywood actor-turned-politician Kenneth Okonkwo, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), who claimed that Obi and other NDC leaders in the South‑East demanded ₦10 million from House of Representatives aspirants and ₦20 million from senatorial aspirants as a condition for securing tickets. Okonkwo also alleged that Ohaegbu had sent him an “SOS message” describing widespread fraud during the party’s primaries and naming Obi as “the head of the criminality”.
Appearing on the same programme that broadcast Okonkwo’s claims, Ohaegbu said he maintained a large broadcast list of over 2,000 contacts, including both Obi and Okonkwo, for routine updates. He explained that the message that sparked the controversy was a broadcast to party members advising them to disregard rumours that any aspirant had been granted an automatic ticket, as no such directive had come from the party leadership.
According to Ohaegbu, his only direct contact regarding nomination procedures was with the NDC’s national secretary. “The only person who asked me to pay ₦10 million is the national secretary,” he stated, adding that all payments were made into the party’s Fidelity Bank account and were not directed by Obi. “Peter Obi never told me to pay ₦10 million, I never told Kenneth Okonkwo that Peter Obi in any way told me to pay ₦10 million. The only person who asked me to pay ₦10 million is the national secretary,” the aspirant emphasised.
Ohaegbu further challenged Okonkwo to produce evidence of any communication where he linked Obi to bribe demands. “If Kenneth can show anywhere in that message, I said I met with Peter Obi throughout this process, I will apologise,” he said. He also denied telling Okonkwo that Obi was writing a list of candidates at the Johnwood Hotel in Abuja while primaries were underway.
The dispute prompted a pre‑litigation notice from Obi’s legal team, dated June 9, 2026, demanding N5 billion in damages and a public apology from Okonkwo, while warning of further legal action if the demands were not met. Okonkwo later responded via X, sharing screenshots of WhatsApp conversations he claims support his allegations. He insisted that Ohaegbu had privately accused Obi of coordinating the payment demands, and dared Obi to proceed to court.
In his published messages, Ohaegbu expressed disappointment over the conduct of the nomination process in Anambra State, questioning the lack of consultation among aspirants. The aspirant has also filed a legal complaint against the NDC, through his lawyers, over the conduct of the primary elections in his constituency.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com ✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments