Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress for the 2027 election, has issued a seven day ultimatum to actor turned politician Kenneth Okonkwo, demanding a full withdrawal of what he described as false and damaging statements made against him.
Through a letter written by his lawyer, Alex Ejesieme, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Obi is also requesting a public apology alongside payment of five billion naira in damages, claiming the remarks have caused serious harm to his reputation and public image.
The letter, titled Demand for Immediate Withdrawal of False, Malicious and Defamatory Publications Against Mr Peter Obi, Public Apology and Undertaking, stated that the former Anambra State governor strongly objected to comments allegedly made by Okonkwo during a live appearance on Channels Television Sunrise Daily on June 8, 2026, which later circulated widely across television and social media platforms.
According to Obi’s legal representatives, Okonkwo was said to have accused him and other leaders of the Nigeria Democratic Congress in the South East of collecting ten million naira from House of Representatives aspirants in addition to official nomination fees. The claims also included allegations that Obi personally compiled party candidate lists from a hotel room, issued warnings to aspirants about possible scams, and was linked to receiving funds from individuals abroad as well as involvement in criminal conduct.
The legal team firmly rejected these assertions, describing them as false, baseless, malicious and deeply damaging. They argued that the statements were capable of portraying Obi as someone engaged in fraud, extortion and other forms of criminal activity, which they said was entirely untrue and without evidence.
They further maintained that although freedom of expression is guaranteed, it does not extend to making or spreading claims that falsely accuse another person of criminal behaviour or dishonesty.
Based on this position, Obi has demanded that Okonkwo retract the statements in full within seven days of receiving the notice, issue an unreserved public apology, and ensure that both the retraction and apology are published across all platforms where the allegations were shared, including television and social media channels.
He also insisted that the apology must receive equal or greater visibility than the original allegations, and that Okonkwo must provide a written undertaking not to repeat or publish similar claims in the future.
In addition, Obi is seeking five billion naira in general, aggravated and exemplary damages for the alleged injury caused to his reputation.
The letter warned that failure to meet these demands within the stipulated timeframe would leave him with no choice but to initiate legal action, including claims for damages, court orders for retraction, and full recovery of legal costs.
