Peter Obi Files ₦5 Billion Defamation Suit Against Kenneth Okonkwo Over Bribery Allegations

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has initiated a ₦5 billion defamation lawsuit against actor-turned-politician Kenneth Okonkwo over allegations that he received bribes from aspirants seeking elective positions.

According to court documents filed through his legal counsel, Chief Alex Ejesieme (SAN), Obi described the allegations made by Okonkwo as false, malicious, and damaging to his reputation. The suit, dated June 9, 2026, seeks ₦5 billion in damages and a retraction of the statements allegedly made by the former Labour Party chieftain.

The dispute stems from claims attributed to Okonkwo, who reportedly alleged that Obi and others collected ₦10 million from House of Representatives aspirants. Obi’s legal team strongly denied the allegation, insisting that no such payments were received and that the accusation lacked factual basis. The lawyers argued that the statements had the potential to tarnish Obi’s image as a politician who has consistently promoted transparency and accountability.

The lawsuit marks a significant escalation in the deteriorating relationship between the two former political allies. Okonkwo, a former spokesperson for the Labour Party Presidential Campaign Council, had publicly fallen out with Obi following disagreements over the party’s leadership crisis and political direction. In previous public interviews, Okonkwo accused Obi of betraying him during the Labour Party’s internal disputes, highlighting the growing rift between the pair.

Legal observers say the case could become one of the most closely watched political defamation battles in Nigeria, given the prominence of both men and their previous association within the Labour Party movement.

As of the time of filing this report, Okonkwo had not publicly responded to the lawsuit. The matter is expected to proceed through the courts, where both parties will have the opportunity to present evidence supporting their positions.