Actor-turned-politician and former Labour Party campaign spokesperson Kenneth Okonkwo has responded sharply to reports that former presidential candidate Peter Obi is seeking N5 billion in damages over alleged defamatory remarks, challenging his former ally to proceed with the lawsuit.
Okonkwo reacted in a statement posted on his X account on Wednesday, following reports that Obi had issued a legal demand through his lawyers over comments he considered defamatory.
The former Labour Party chieftain said he had become aware of a letter circulating online but had not yet reviewed its contents.
“It has been brought to my notice that there is a letter circulating online from Peter Obi and his lawyers demanding N5 billion from me,” Okonkwo wrote.
“If Peter Obi is looking for money for his campaign, he should ask me privately for assistance rather than seek it through what I consider an attempt at extortion.”
Okonkwo, who served as a spokesperson for Obi’s 2023 presidential campaign, claimed he personally covered some of his expenses while working for the campaign.
According to him, he paid for his own flight tickets and hotel accommodations during several campaign engagements across the country.
He also suggested that a court case could lead to disclosures about his time working closely with Obi, warning that Obi’s legal team should be prepared for whatever information might emerge during legal proceedings.
“There are things I came to know while serving as spokesperson which, based on my conscience, I have not shared publicly,” he said.
Okonkwo described the decision to sue a former spokesperson as a mistake, arguing that such a move could backfire politically and legally.
“Anyone who decides to sue his former spokesperson for defamation is making a very unwise decision,” he added.
The lawyer and politician said he would issue a formal response after reviewing the legal correspondence but insisted that Obi and his legal team should follow through with the case if they believe they have grounds to do so.
“It would be embarrassing if they fail to pursue the matter in court. I do not have time for distractions,” he said.
The latest exchange highlights the deepening rift between the two former political allies. Okonkwo played a prominent role in Obi’s 2023 presidential campaign, but both men have since fallen out and repeatedly disagreed publicly on political and party matters.
Neither Obi nor his legal team had publicly responded to Okonkwo’s latest remarks as of the time of this report.
