The presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has started legal action against his former political acolyte and kinsman, Kenneth Okonkwo, over allegations that he and other party leaders collected bribes from aspirants seeking elective positions.
The lawsuit marks a significant escalation in the public fallout between the two political associates, whose relationship has deteriorated in recent months following disagreements over political developments and party affairs.Politics
According to court documents filed by Obi’s legal team, the former Anambra State governor is challenging a series of statements allegedly made by Okonkwo during a public broadcast, in which he accused Obi and leaders of the NDC in the South-East of demanding illicit payments from aspirants seeking tickets to contest for seats in the House of Representatives. 
The suit, dated June 9, 2026, was filed by Chief Alex Ejesieme (SAN) of Alex Ejesieme (SAN) & Co. (Madiba Chambers), who described the allegations as false, malicious, and highly damaging to Obi’s reputation.
According to the legal filing, Okonkwo allegedly claimed that House of Representatives aspirants were required to pay an additional ₦10 million to party leaders after paying the official expression of interest and nomination fees.
The suit quoted Okonkwo as alleging that Obi and South-East leaders of the NDC informed aspirants that payment of the additional sum was necessary to secure consideration within the party.
Obi’s lawyers further stated that Okonkwo claimed documentary evidence existed to support the allegation and that receipts had allegedly been issued for the payments.
The actor-turned-politician was also accused of alleging that Obi personally compiled the list of party candidates from a hotel room and manipulated the candidate selection process.
Among other assertions attributed to Okonkwo were claims that Obi travelled abroad to collect money from individuals and that he, alongside other NDC leaders in the South-East, was involved in activities amounting to criminal conduct.
Obi Describes Allegations as False and Defamatory
In the legal action, Obi’s lawyers strongly rejected the allegations, insisting that the statements were entirely fabricated and intended to tarnish the former governor’s image.
The legal team argued that the claims portrayed their client as a dishonest political figure involved in bribery, extortion, fraud, and criminal conspiracy.
According to the suit, the statements were capable of exposing Obi to public hatred, ridicule, contempt, and distrust among members of society.
“The above statements, in their natural and ordinary meaning and by necessary implication, falsely and maliciously represent our client as a person who demands, solicits, organises and collects bribes; who extorts, defrauds and swindles political aspirants of their money; who is a fraudster, a scammer and a dishonest political actor,” the legal team stated.
The lawyers further argued that the allegations struck directly at Obi’s reputation as a public servant and political leader.
They described the remarks as reckless and unsupported by any credible evidence.
Concern Over Social Media Amplification
Obi’s legal representatives also expressed concern over the manner in which the statements were allegedly disseminated.
According to the law firm, the comments were made during a live television appearance before being widely circulated across social media platforms and online channels, thereby increasing their reach and potential impact.
The legal team maintained that while freedom of expression remains a constitutional right, it does not extend to publishing statements capable of damaging another person’s reputation without factual basis.
They argued that the remarks went beyond the limits of political criticism and fair comment.
“Your words were not mere political commentary. They crossed the permissible bounds of fair comment and constituted a direct assault on our client’s person, integrity, image and reputation,” the lawyers stated.
Obi Demands Retraction, Apology and Compensation
As part of the reliefs sought, Obi’s legal team is demanding that Okonkwo immediately withdraw the statements in their entirety and issue a public apology.
The proposed apology, according to the lawyers, must be clear, unconditional, and given the same level of prominence as the original allegations.
They further requested that the apology be published across all major social media platforms, including X, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
In addition, the legal team is seeking a written undertaking from Okonkwo, committing him to refrain from making further defamatory statements against their client.
The suit also includes a demand for financial compensation for the alleged damage caused to Obi’s reputation and public standing.
The legal battle comes amid ongoing political realignments and public disagreements involving former allies within Nigeria’s opposition landscape, with the dispute expected to attract significant public and political attention in the coming weeks.
