NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi has filed an N8 billion defamation lawsuit against actor-turned-politician Kenneth Okonkwo, accusing his former ally of making false and damaging statements during a television appearance and subsequent social media publications.
Court documents obtained by Angel Network News (ANN) show that the suit was filed at the High Court of Anambra State, Onitsha Judicial Division, under suit number O/229/2026.
According to the writ of summons, Obi is demanding a total of N8 billion in damages over comments allegedly made by Okonkwo during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme on June 8, 2026.
The court filing states that the remarks were later published on Channels Television’s YouTube platform under the title, “Kenneth Okonkwo Criticises Peter Obi, Condemns NDC Primaries,” and further circulated through Okonkwo’s verified X account, Facebook page and other online platforms.
Obi, through his legal team led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Alex Ejesieme, alleged that the statements were “false, malicious, baseless and defamatory.”
The plaintiff is seeking N5 billion as general damages, arguing that the publications harmed his “reputation, character, integrity, public image, political standing and goodwill.”
In addition, Obi is asking the court to award N2 billion as aggravated damages, citing what the suit described as the “manner, breadth, persistence and repetition” of the alleged defamatory publications.
The former Anambra governor is also demanding N1 billion in exemplary damages, claiming that Okonkwo continued to repeat and amplify the allegations even after becoming aware of a complaint and demand for retraction.
Beyond the financial claims, Obi is requesting an order compelling Okonkwo to issue a “full, unreserved and unequivocal retraction and apology” within seven days of judgment.
According to the court filing, the apology would be published on Channels Television, Channels Television’s YouTube platform, and on Okonkwo’s social media accounts, including X, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube. Obi is also seeking publication of the apology in three national daily newspapers with wide circulation across Nigeria.
The writ indicates that the case is to be served on Okonkwo in Enugu State and directs the defendant to enter an appearance within 42 days of service or risk judgment being entered in his absence.
As of the time of filing this report, Okonkwo had not publicly responded to the lawsuit contained in the court documents.
