‘Ask me for campaign funds, not N5bn damages’, Okonkwo tells Obi over alleged defamation claims

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Kenneth Okonkwo, has dismissed a reported N5 billion defamation claim threatened by former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, saying the former Anambra State governor should seek financial assistance for his political activities rather than pursue what he described as “extortion.”

Mr Okonkwo, who served as one of Obi’s spokespersons during the 2023 presidential campaign, made the remarks on Tuesday while reacting to reports that Obi, through his legal team, had demanded N5 billion in damages over alleged defamatory statements.

In a post on his X handle, the former Labour Party campaign spokesman ridiculed the legal threat.

“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 N5 billion. Hahaha!” Okonkwo wrote.

He further claimed that he had personally funded some aspects of his involvement in Obi’s 2023 presidential campaign.

“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. I did so when I was his spokesperson, paying for my flight tickets and booking my hotel accommodation for some of our campaigns,” he stated.

The latest war of words follows comments made by Okonkwo during an appearance on Channels Television on Monday, where he alleged that Obi and leaders of the South-East caucus of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, demanded money from aspirants seeking Senate and House of Representatives tickets under the party.

Mr Okonkwo specifically alleged that Obunike Ohaegbu, an aspirant for a House of Representatives ticket in Anambra State, informed him that he had been defrauded of N10 million during the party’s primary election process.

However, Ohaegbu subsequently appeared on the same television programme and denied accusing Obi of personally collecting money from him.

He clarified that the N10 million payment was made into the NDC’s official bank account following directives from the party’s national secretary and not directly to Obi.

Following the allegations, Obi, through his lawyers, reportedly threatened legal action against Okonkwo, demanding N5 billion as general, aggravated and exemplary damages for what he described as defamatory statements that allegedly damaged his reputation.

Reacting to the development, Okonkwo said he had yet to review the legal correspondence but warned that legal action against a former spokesperson could have unintended consequences.

“I have not read the letter. 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 said.

According to him, he has refrained from disclosing confidential information obtained during his time working with Obi.

“My principle is that I do not use any confidential information I share with anyone against the person, except the person who becomes unintelligent enough to tow the line of foolishness. Anyone who decides to sue his former spokesperson for defamation is indeed very unwise,” he added.

Mr Okonkwo also shared screenshots of WhatsApp conversations with a contact saved as “Obunike Ohaegbu,” insisting that the aspirant had complained to him about being allegedly scammed during the NDC primaries and had blamed Obi for the incident.

The ADC chieftain said he would issue a formal response after reviewing the legal letter and challenged Obi and his lawyers to proceed with the proposed lawsuit.

“I will reply to the letter whenever I have the time to read it later in the day. Please send it here if you have it. It will be a shame to Peter Obi and his lawyers if they do not take this case to court,” he said.

As of the time of filing this report, neither Obi nor his legal representatives had responded to Mr Okonkwo’s latest remarks.