Former presidential campaign spokesperson and actor-turned-politician, Kenneth Okonkwo, has dismissed a N5 billion defamation demand by former Anambra State governor and presidential candidate, Peter Obi, insisting that the legal threat would not silence him.
Okonkwo made the declaration in a statement on Wednesday while reacting to a pre-action letter issued by Obi's lawyers over allegations he made during an appearance on Channels Television's Sunrise Daily programme on Monday.
The former spokesperson had alleged during the interview that aspirants seeking election into the House of Representatives under Obi's political structure were required to pay N10 million in addition to the official expression of interest and nomination fees.
The allegations prompted Obi's legal team, led by Chief Alex Ejesieme (SAN), to issue a letter dated June 9, demanding an immediate retraction of the claims, a public apology and N5 billion in damages for alleged defamation.
However, Okonkwo rejected the demand, describing it as an attempt to intimidate him and prevent him from speaking on issues he believes are in the public interest.
"It has been brought to my notice that there is a letter circulating online from Peter Obi and his lawyers demanding that I pay him N5 billion. If Peter Obi is looking for money to campaign, he should privately ask me for assistance, not seek it through what I consider extortion," Okonkwo said.
He further maintained that he would not be cowed by the legal threat and challenged Obi and his legal team to proceed with court action if they believed their case was strong.
According to him, he personally financed some campaign-related activities while working closely with Obi, including the purchase of flight tickets and payment for hotel accommodation during electioneering campaigns.
Okonkwo also suggested that a court case could open the door for the disclosure of information he acquired while serving as Obi's spokesperson.
He said he had deliberately refrained from making certain disclosures out of personal conviction and professional discretion, but noted that litigation could alter that position.
"I will respond to the letter after I have had time to read it. It will be embarrassing if they fail to pursue the matter in court," he stated.
Meanwhile, Obi's lawyers, in the letter issued through Madiba Chambers, described Okonkwo's allegations as false, malicious and damaging to the reputation of the former governor.
The legal team specifically faulted the claim that Obi and leaders of his political movement in the South-East directed House of Representatives aspirants to pay N10 million to party leaders after purchasing nomination forms.
According to the lawyers, the allegations were baseless, unsupported by evidence and capable of exposing their client to public ridicule and reputational damage.
They warned that failure to comply with the demands contained in the letter would leave their client with no option but to institute legal proceedings.
The latest exchange marks another chapter in the deteriorating relationship between Obi and Okonkwo, who were once close political allies during the 2023 presidential election campaign but have since become vocal critics of one another.
