Peter Obi has defended his decision to institute legal proceedings against former ally Kenneth Okonkwo, saying the lawsuit is intended to give the actor-turned-politician an opportunity to substantiate allegations he has made against him.
Obi’s remarks come amid a widening rift between the two political figures, who were prominent allies during the 2023 presidential campaign but have since publicly disagreed over the direction of opposition politics in Nigeria.
Responding to criticism over the lawsuit, Obi said he welcomed the judicial process and was prepared to have the issues openly examined in court.
“I want him to expose it,” Obi was quoted as saying, insisting that the legal action would allow any claims against him to be properly scrutinised before the public.
The former Anambra State governor maintained that he had nothing to hide and argued that allegations made in the public sphere should be backed with verifiable evidence.
According to Obi, the matter is not about silencing critics but about ensuring accountability for statements made against public figures. He expressed confidence that the courts would provide a fair platform for all parties to present their positions.
The dispute follows a series of public comments by Okonkwo, a former spokesperson for the Labour Party Presidential Campaign Council, who has become increasingly critical of Obi and some of his political decisions since the 2023 election.
