Peter Obi vs Kenneth Okonkwo: Ex-Spokesman Mocks N5bn Lawsuit, Says ‘Ask Me for Campaign Money’

Fresh cracks have opened in the relationship between former allies Peter Obi and Kenneth Okonkwo, as the Nollywood actor-turned-politician publicly ridiculed reports that the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate is demanding N5 billion in damages over alleged defamatory remarks.

Okonkwo, who once served as a spokesperson for Obi’s presidential campaign, reacted on Wednesday through a statement posted on his X account, where he accused the former Anambra State governor of attempting to use legal action as a way to raise campaign funds.

Laughing off the reported lawsuit, Okonkwo claimed Obi should have approached him privately for financial support if he truly needed money for political activities.

“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 N5b. Hahaha!” Okonkwo wrote.

“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 for my hotel accommodation to some of our campaigns,” he added.

The latest exchange marks another escalation in the growing public fallout between both men, who were once key political allies. Their relationship has deteriorated in recent weeks following allegations by Okonkwo that Obi and some leaders within the NDC manipulated the party’s primary election process.

Okonkwo also claimed he personally financed parts of his work during Obi’s campaign operations, including transportation and accommodation costs linked to campaign activities across the country.

The former Labour Party chieftain further stated that he had not fully reviewed the legal letter allegedly sent by Obi’s lawyers but warned that any court action could push him to reveal sensitive information gathered while serving within Obi’s political camp.

According to him, he had deliberately avoided disclosing certain internal details out of personal principle and respect, but suggested that such restraint may no longer continue if the dispute proceeds to court.

Okonkwo challenged Obi and his legal team to continue with the suit, insisting he was prepared to respond officially once he had gone through the contents of the letter.

The controversy comes at a delicate time for the NDC, which is already battling internal disagreements following its controversial nationwide primary elections ahead of the 2027 general election.