Kenneth Okonkwo, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former spokesperson for Peter Obi’s 2023 presidential campaign, has warned that he may be forced to disclose confidential information if Obi, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, proceeds with a defamation lawsuit against him.
In a series of posts on X, Okonkwo described the threat of a lawsuit from his former principal as “very unwise,” noting that suing one’s former spokesperson for defamation carries significant risks.
Recent Rift
The dispute escalated after Okonkwo appeared on Channels Television on Monday, where he alleged that Peter Obi and the South-East caucus of the NDC demanded bribes from House of Representatives and Senate aspirants of the party in exchange for tickets.
Okonkwo specifically referenced a message from NDC House of Representatives aspirant Obunike Ohaegbu in Anambra, claiming Obi had scammed him of ₦10 million.Ohaegbu, however, appeared on the same programme the following day and denied the allegation.
He clarified that he paid the ₦10 million into the NDC’s official bank account based on instructions from the party’s national secretary, not directly to Obi.Obi’s Response and Okonkwo’s RejoinderIn response to Okonkwo’s claims, Obi’s legal team threatened to sue him, demanding ₦5 billion in general, aggravated, and exemplary damages for the alleged injury to Obi’s reputation.
Okonkwo hit back strongly on X, sharing screenshots of WhatsApp conversations with a contact saved as “Obunike Ohaegbu.” He stood by his earlier statements, insisting that Ohaegbu had told him he was scammed during the NDC primaries and held Obi responsible.
The Nollywood actor-turned-politician further taunted Obi, suggesting he should privately seek financial assistance for a potential 2027 presidential campaign rather than pursue a ₦5 billion lawsuit.“If Peter Obi is looking for money to campaign, he should privately ask me for assistance… and I will help him,” Okonkwo wrote. He recalled personally funding his own flight tickets and hotel accommodations while serving as Obi’s spokesperson.
Okonkwo issued a stern warning:
“I have not read the letter. Let me sound this note of warning, the Lawyers must take responsibility for any information I may have to divulge, which I acquired as a spokesperson… Anyone who decides to sue his former Spokesperson for defamation is indeed very unwise.”
He dared Obi and his lawyers to proceed to court, stating it would be “a shame to Peter Obi and his Lawyers if they do not take this case to court.”
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