The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has formally filed an ₦8 billion defamation lawsuit against Kenneth Okonkwo over comments allegedly made during a television interview.
According to court documents dated June 25, 2026, the suit was filed at the High Court of Anambra State, Onitsha Judicial Division, following remarks Okonkwo allegedly made during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on June 8, 2026.
Obi, through his counsel, Chief Alex Ejesieme (SAN), is seeking ₦5 billion in general damages for alleged injury to his reputation, ₦2 billion in aggravated damages, and ₦1 billion in exemplary damages, bringing the total claim to ₦8 billion.
The former Anambra State governor also wants the court to compel Okonkwo to issue a full retraction and public apology on Channels Television, its YouTube platform, his social media pages, and in three national newspapers. He is further seeking the removal of all content containing the disputed statements and a perpetual injunction restraining Okonkwo from making similar allegations in the future.
The court documents indicate that the writ has been approved for service outside Anambra State in Enugu, giving Okonkwo 42 days to enter an appearance after being served. Failure to do so could result in judgment being entered against him.
Reactions
@username1: Former allies settling their differences in court. Politics keeps getting more interesting.
@username2: If the statements were false, the court is the right place to determine it.
@username3: This fallout has gone far beyond politics now.
@username4: ₦8 billion? This case is definitely one to watch.
@username5: Hope both sides present their evidence and let the court decide.