Actor-turned-politician Kenneth Okonkwo has responded to reports of a planned N5 billion defamation lawsuit by former presidential candidate Peter Obi, describing the move as misguided and urging Obi to proceed with legal action.
Okonkwo, who previously served as a spokesperson for Obi’s 2023 presidential campaign, made his position known in a statement posted on his X account on Wednesday.
His reaction comes days after Obi, through his legal representatives, reportedly demanded a public retraction, apology, and N5 billion in damages over comments he considered defamatory.
Addressing the controversy, Okonkwo said he had been informed about a letter allegedly issued by Obi and his lawyers but had not yet reviewed its contents.
“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 N5b. Hahaha!” he wrote.
The former Labour Party chieftain suggested that if Obi needed campaign funding, he should seek assistance directly rather than pursue legal claims. “If Peter Obi is looking for money to campaign, he should privately ask me for assistance, not come from extortion, and I will help him,” he stated.
Okonkwo further claimed that during the 2023 presidential campaign, he personally covered some of his expenses while serving as Obi’s spokesperson.
“I did so when I was his Spokesperson paying for my flight tickets and booking for my hotel accommodation to some of our campaigns,” he said.
The politician also warned that any court proceedings could result in the disclosure of information he obtained while serving in the campaign organisation.
“Let me sound this note of warning, the Lawyers must take responsibility for any information I may have to divulge, which I acquired as a spokesperson, but which by my conscience I have not shared with anyone,” he stated.
According to Okonkwo, taking legal action against a former spokesperson for defamation reflects poor judgment.“Anyone who decides to sue his former Spokesperson for defamation is indeed very unwise,” he said.
While maintaining that he would issue a formal response after studying the letter, Okonkwo challenged Obi and his legal team to proceed with the case.
“It will be a shame to Peter Obi and his Lawyers if they do not take this case to court. I don’t have time or patience for scammers,” he added.
The exchange represents the latest chapter in the increasingly strained relationship between Obi and Okonkwo, who worked closely together during the 2023 presidential election campaign but have since fallen out over political and party-related disagreements.
If the matter proceeds to court, it could become one of the most closely watched political legal disputes ahead of the 2027 election cycle.
