Kenneth Okonkwo rejects Obi’s N5bn defamation claim, raises fresh fraud allegations

A prominent figure in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Kenneth Okonkwo, has formally responded to the pre-action notice issued by former Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, rejecting allegations of defamation and accusing the former presidential hopeful of attempting to intimidate him through legal threats.

The latest development follows Obi’s June 9, 2026 notice threatening to institute a N5 billion defamation lawsuit against the Nollywood actor-turned-politician over comments he made during a televised interview, where he allegedly accused Obi of involvement in fraudulent activities linked to the NDC primary election process.

In a formal response dated June 16, 2026, and issued through his legal representatives, Okonkwo denied making any defamatory statements against Obi.

His lawyers maintained that the remarks in question were based on information supplied by an aggrieved political aspirant and therefore constituted a truthful account of events rather than malicious falsehoods.

The legal response specifically referenced Okonkwo’s appearance on Channels Television, insisting that the comments made during the interview did not amount to defamation.

Rather, the lawyers argued that Okonkwo was speaking in relation to allegations brought before him by a client, identified as Obunike Ohaegbu, popularly known as Nwa Miss.

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According to the letter, Ohaegbu alleged that he paid N10 million in pursuit of a political ticket under the NDC, claiming that he was deceived through what he described as a scheme allegedly orchestrated by Obi and the party.

The response stated that the allegations originated from Ohaegbu and were not fabricated by Okonkwo, emphasizing that the actor merely relayed concerns raised by an individual who claimed to have been financially exploited during the party’s candidate selection process.

Beyond rejecting the defamation allegations, Okonkwo’s legal team also accused Obi of violating his privacy rights by publishing his personal telephone number on social media instead of serving the legal notice directly.

The lawyers described the action as a serious breach of data privacy and an unwarranted invasion of personal space, arguing that it exposed their client to harassment, threats, and coordinated online attacks.

According to the letter, the publication of Okonkwo’s contact information resulted in sustained abuse from social media users and political supporters, prompting consideration of legal action against those responsible for the disclosure.

The response further criticized Obi’s N5 billion damages claim, describing it as a deliberate attempt to intimidate and silence Okonkwo from speaking about alleged irregularities within the political process.

Okonkwo’s legal representatives contended that the lawsuit threat was designed to “distract and cow him” into abandoning efforts to expose what they characterized as political wrongdoing.

The exchange marks a significant escalation in the public dispute between the former political allies, with both camps now appearing headed for a potentially protracted legal and political battle over allegations arising from the NDC primary election controversy.