By Jude Opara
The strained relationship between former presidential candidate Peter Obi and his former campaign spokesman, Kenneth Okonkwo, took a fresh turn on Wednesday as the actor-politician reacted to reports that Obi is seeking N5 billion in damages over alleged defamatory remarks.
Okonkwo, who served as a spokesperson during Obi’s presidential campaign, mocked the reported legal demand in a statement posted on X, suggesting that the move was politically motivated.
According to him, if Obi required financial support for future political activities, he should seek assistance directly rather than pursue what he described as an attempt to extort money through legal means.
“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 N5bn. Hahaha!” Okonkwo wrote.
The former campaign spokesman further claimed that he personally financed aspects of campaign activities while working with Obi, including paying for flight tickets and hotel accommodation during some engagements.
“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 added.
Okonkwo also indicated that he had yet to study the contents of the letter but warned that any court action could open the door to revelations about his time within Obi’s political camp.
He said he had so far refrained from disclosing information obtained while serving as spokesperson out of respect for confidentiality and personal principles.
However, the actor suggested that the situation could change if the dispute progresses to litigation, hinting that legal proceedings may bring previously undisclosed matters into the public domain.
The comments mark the latest chapter in the public disagreement between the two former political allies, whose relationship has deteriorated since the last election cycle.
Okonkwo challenged Obi and his legal team to proceed with the matter, maintaining that he was prepared to defend himself once he had reviewed the demand letter in full.
The actor-politician reiterated that he would issue a formal response after examining the correspondence, setting the stage for what could become a high-profile legal and political confrontation.
The controversy has continued to generate attention within political circles, with observers closely watching whether the dispute remains a war of words or ultimately finds its way into the courtroom.
