Former Anambra State Governor and Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC, presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has dragged his former ally and kinsman, Kenneth Okonkwo, to court over allegations that he collected N10 million bribes from House of Representatives aspirants.
In a suit dated June 9, 2026, Obi’s legal team, led by Chief Alex Ejesieme, SAN, described Okonkwo’s claims as false, malicious and defamatory. The lawyers said the broadcast by Okonkwo portrayed Obi as a fraudster, extortionist and participant in criminal activities.
They demanded an immediate withdrawal of the statements, a public apology across all social media platforms, a written undertaking against further defamatory remarks, and financial compensation.
In a swift response on X, the veteran Nollywood actor and former Labour Party campaign spokesman mocked the legal action.
“It has been brought to my notice that there is a letter circulating online from the hypocrite, Peter Obi, and his lawyers that I should pay him N5bn. Hahaha!” Okonkwo wrote.
He advised Obi to “ask me for campaign money privately, not through extortion,” claiming he personally funded his flights and hotel accommodation during their 2023 campaigns.
Okonkwo further warned that court proceedings could force him to disclose confidential details he obtained while working closely with Obi, saying he had kept quiet “out of principle” but the situation may change.
He said he was yet to review the demand letter but challenged Obi’s lawyers to proceed, promising a formal response after studying it.
The legal face off marks a dramatic fallout between the two former allies who once championed the “Obi-Datti” movement in 2023.
