Peter Obi Defends Lawsuit Against Kenneth Okonkwo - Politics - Nairaland
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| Peter Obi Defends Lawsuit Against Kenneth Okonkwo by TONYE001(op): 7:29pm On Jun 16 |
Source: Sahara Reporters - https://saharareporters.com/2026/06/16/peter-obi-defends-lawsuit-against-former-loyalist-kenneth-okonkwo-says-i-want-him-expose?fbclid=IwY2xjawSecRJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA80MDk5NjI2MjMwODU2MDkAAR4Ct-UzJYK9_QhU42dg5olQPIdTnQ-8qXvmVlGepQfdGeiMBtXUTim-cNhDYw_aem_PQk1mI_g13PnfROTePZS4g Former Anambra State governor and presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has defended his decision to sue his former ally and campaign spokesman, Kenneth Okonkwo, saying he is eager for the actor-turned-politician to present all allegations against him in open court. Obi made the remarks during a recent podcast interview with broadcaster Rufai Oseni, days after his legal team instituted a defamation action against Okonkwo over a series of corruption allegations against the former governor. According to Obi, the court case became necessary after Okonkwo indicated that he possessed additional damaging information which he intended to disclose in the future. “The issue of taking Kenneth Okonkwo to court wouldn’t have arisen if he had stopped at those allegations. But he claimed he still has more he would expose about me in the future,” Obi said. “So I am very happy to take him to court so that he can expose me publicly, alongside other Nigerians. If any of them has any criminal allegations against me, they should bring it to court.” The former Labour Party presidential candidate said public office seekers and political leaders should willingly subject themselves to scrutiny, arguing that Nigerians deserve to know the true character of those seeking to lead them. “I think as a leader, this is time to avail ourselves for scrutiny by the public so that people can hear all the bad things about us,” he said. “Because it is important that our future leaders must be who they say they are in terms of character, integrity, competence, qualifications and everything.” Obi maintained that his lawsuit is not merely about the allegations already made by Okonkwo but about the latter's suggestion that he has more damaging revelations in reserve. “So once he said that, I said wait a minute, we must go further. So people can hear,” Obi added. The former governor also used the interview to dismiss reports of internal divisions within his political movement, maintaining that disagreements are a normal part of any organisation and had since been resolved. “Let me assure you that whatever you think is happening in our party is nothing compared to what you see in other parties, and there's no issue,” he said. “When you have an organisation, there are at times some disagreements or minor issues which we've been talked over, it's been resolved and everything, and that's it.” Obi further challenged not only Okonkwo but any Nigerian with evidence of wrongdoing against him to come forward publicly. “Not just Kenneth, everybody should say those things they know that are bad about me or I did that is wrong, because it's good for the system, it's good for the society,” he said. “If you know that when we were in primary school, this man was cheating, or he didn't go to primary school, didn't go to secondary school, if you know this man has done something criminal somewhere, this is time to bring it out.” According to him, Nigeria cannot afford another generation of leaders whose records are clouded by unanswered allegations. “We must not allow the next set of our leaders to have a record that is doubtful,” Obi said. The comments come amid an escalating feud between Obi and Okonkwo, who was one of his most vocal supporters during the 2023 presidential election but has since become one of his fiercest critics. As previously reported by SaharaReporters, Obi's legal counsel, Chief Alex Ejesieme (SAN), filed a suit against Okonkwo over allegations that the former governor and South-East leaders of the NDC demanded a N10 million bribe from House of Representatives aspirants seeking party tickets. Okonkwo had alleged that aspirants were required to pay N10 million in addition to official nomination fees and claimed that Obi personally compiled lists of party candidates from a hotel room. He also accused Obi of engaging in questionable financial dealings and alleged that criminality was being perpetuated within the party structure. However, Obi's lawyers described the allegations as “false, baseless, malicious, reckless and defamatory,” insisting that they were designed to damage his reputation and standing in public life. The legal team demanded a retraction, a public apology and compensation, while warning that freedom of expression does not extend to making false and damaging accusations. After that, Kenneth went ahead to release a series of WhatsApp chats to support his allegations against Obi. # |
| Re: Peter Obi Defends Lawsuit Against Kenneth Okonkwo by TONYE001(op): 7:29pm On Jun 16 |
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| Re: Peter Obi Defends Lawsuit Against Kenneth Okonkwo by LagosOrigin: 7:31pm On Jun 16 |
Very good Shebi Kenneth okonkwo has been running his mouth because of the crumbs that atiku throw at him, oya it is time for Kenneth for defend it in court now .. |
| Re: Peter Obi Defends Lawsuit Against Kenneth Okonkwo by christejames(m): 7:33pm On Jun 16 |
That's the People's President... The loudmouthed fellow now has the whole opportunity to expose the People's President as fraud as he claim, his theatrics won't go unattended to this time around. |
| Re: Peter Obi Defends Lawsuit Against Kenneth Okonkwo by aariwa(m): 7:33pm On Jun 16 |
Obi said Kenneth Okonkwo said he has other allegations against him Obi and that the lawsuit would serve as an opportunity for Okonkwo to reveal those allegations about him Obi and others to Nigerians |
| Re: Peter Obi Defends Lawsuit Against Kenneth Okonkwo by SamuelOdi: 7:36pm On Jun 16 |
Let's see how it goes. Kenneth didn't try in this at all. Accusing someone without substantial evidence is a no no. I hope he defend himself in the Court of law |
| Re: Peter Obi Defends Lawsuit Against Kenneth Okonkwo by TONYE001(op): 7:38pm On Jun 16 |
I totally support this move. Never have I seen a Nigerian politician presenting himself for public scrutiny like Sir PO. Kenneth, it's now up to you. Importantly, PO is making a smart move.... immediately killing any opportunity to blackmail him in the future. |
| Re: Peter Obi Defends Lawsuit Against Kenneth Okonkwo by Counterigbolies: 7:40pm On Jun 16 |
TONYE001:when will he sue for the yes daddy audio leak? |
| Re: Peter Obi Defends Lawsuit Against Kenneth Okonkwo by Elusive001: 7:41pm On Jun 16 |
Where are all those Tinubu’s supporters who have been accusing Peter Obi here? Here is the golden opportunity for you all. Where are all those who have been calling him names? Meanwhile, can Tinubu say the same thing about integrity as Obi said? Can any Tinubu’s supporters help us put Tinubu and verifiable integrity in one sentence. |
| Re: Peter Obi Defends Lawsuit Against Kenneth Okonkwo by Racoon(m): 7:43pm On Jun 16 |
Nice one! Kenneth Okwonkwo come prove all the allegations in court. |
| Re: Peter Obi Defends Lawsuit Against Kenneth Okonkwo by TONYE001(op): 7:45pm On Jun 16*. Modified: 8:10pm On Jun 16 |
Counterigbolies:Refer to the original post and note why he's suing. If you want a first-hand experience, go online, tag him and make similar statements. Stop deviating from the issue at hand. |
| Re: Peter Obi Defends Lawsuit Against Kenneth Okonkwo by Ofunaofu: 7:45pm On Jun 16 |
To all the Tinubu/APC data boys, here's your opportunity to stand as witnesses for Kenneth Okonkwo. Instead of sitting behind your keypads and calling Peter Obi all sorts of names, go to court and challenge his credibility and integrity. Peter Obi has presented you with the perfect opportunity to do so. If you fail to make use of this opportunity now, then don't ever disparage Peter Obi's credibility and integrity again, because no one will take such accusations seriously. The courtroom is open. The evidence will speak louder than Nairaland posts. |
| Re: Peter Obi Defends Lawsuit Against Kenneth Okonkwo by FSBoperator: 8:11pm On Jun 16 |
Why did you not sue Peoples Gazette as you threatened to do over the Yea Daddy leaks ? Why have you not connected on the statement made by a leading member of a faction of the LP , who said you and your obidient crooks led by Aisha fleeced Labour Party of #12bn - money realized from campaign donations . Why are you even suing anyone when you went to beg Chief Afebabalola to drop his criminal defamation suit he initiated against Dele Foransiti? |
| Re: Peter Obi Defends Lawsuit Against Kenneth Okonkwo by FSBoperator: 8:14pm On Jun 16 |
Elusive001:Why did he chicken out on his threat to sue both People's Gazette over the Yea Daddy tapes and Deji for dragging him on X? Giringori is suing loud mouth Ken because the obviously unstable ken has nothing on Obi. But those who have real and concrete evidence, he runs away from suing them. |
| Re: Peter Obi Defends Lawsuit Against Kenneth Okonkwo by floss(m): 8:18pm On Jun 16 |
FSBoperator:Always shifting the goalposts, did the yes daddy stuff call him a thief or head of criminal gangs in your country? Walahi if your Tulumbu can appoint an opposition as Chief Justice of Nigeria and then say it openly “if you find anything incriminating against me, I will resign, I’m open to scrutiny “ That’s the best campaign Tulumbu can have and win the hearts of every Nigerian, guess what, he’s scared and you know it too ![]() |
| Re: Peter Obi Defends Lawsuit Against Kenneth Okonkwo by FSBoperator: 8:22pm On Jun 16 |
floss:Did your Obi not threaten to sue Peoples Gazette? Did he not also threaten to sue Deji over Deji's twitter posts made against him? |
| Re: Peter Obi Defends Lawsuit Against Kenneth Okonkwo by youneedjesus: 8:28pm On Jun 16 |
Attention all members of the "I Have Evidence" Association! This is your moment. Instead of debating on social media, kindly submit your evidence against PO directly to Kenneth Okonkwo. Entry is free, no subscription required, and the deadline is the day of court proceedings. Someone should please share His WhatApp number to facilitate this process. |
| Re: Peter Obi Defends Lawsuit Against Kenneth Okonkwo by Moroccoguy: 8:42pm On Jun 16 |
I hope Tinubu can emulate this, many people for done pay tire. |
| Re: Peter Obi Defends Lawsuit Against Kenneth Okonkwo by Elusive001: 8:56pm On Jun 16 |
Moroccoguy:Bros na integrity we dey talk here abeg. |
| Re: Peter Obi Defends Lawsuit Against Kenneth Okonkwo by Elusive001: 8:58pm On Jun 16 |
FSBoperator:Bros, the floor is open for una. Go and talk wetin PO do ooooooo. Tinubu go dey shame for una sef |
| Re: Peter Obi Defends Lawsuit Against Kenneth Okonkwo by Elusive001: 9:01pm On Jun 16 |
floss:Dey play. You dey whyne? As how nah? Una go just dey imagine what will never happen, even over someone's dead body. |
| Re: Peter Obi Defends Lawsuit Against Kenneth Okonkwo by Elusive001: 9:06pm On Jun 16 |
floss:Dey play. You dey whyne? As how nah? Una go just dey imagine what will never happen, even over someone's dead body. Make who do wetin? |
| Re: Peter Obi Defends Lawsuit Against Kenneth Okonkwo by favor914: 9:40pm On Jun 16 |
LagosOrigin:Quite obvious Gringory Obi is afraid of something . |
| Re: Peter Obi Defends Lawsuit Against Kenneth Okonkwo by favor914: 9:42pm On Jun 16 |
Elusive001:U dey mind floss the Obidient? His Agulu Oga is suing his former assistant because he is afraid of the information that his former confidant has against him. |
| Re: Peter Obi Defends Lawsuit Against Kenneth Okonkwo by TONYE001(op): 9:53pm On Jun 16 |
favor914:But na was o, how una dey take think this thing sef? Man says he's suing SO THAT KENNETH WILL BRING FORTH ALL HE HAS AGAINST HIM. Yet, you still dey say he's afraid? If him dey fear, him for just ignore Kenneth so that the case go die naturally. Suing will put Kenneth in a witness box where he'll be forced by law to purge all he has to say, beginning from his recent allegations. Isn't this what someone that has nothing to hide/not afraid should do? How then have you managed to twist this narrative? Was it intentionally or an act of ignorance? I honestly would love to have an understanding of your thinking pattern. Please, reply. |
| Re: Peter Obi Defends Lawsuit Against Kenneth Okonkwo by floss(m): 10:10pm On Jun 16 |
TONYE001:Is this not the perfect time for Kenneth to bring all evidences he has |
| Re: Peter Obi Defends Lawsuit Against Kenneth Okonkwo by Noblechykk(m): 10:10pm On Jun 16 |
FSBoperator:All Tinubu supporters need help. |
| Re: Peter Obi Defends Lawsuit Against Kenneth Okonkwo by favor914: 10:15pm On Jun 16 |
TONYE001:Exactly, If em no dey fear, Gringory Obi no for even waste his time compelling a court to demand that his former associate produce whatever damaging information he may possess against him. This one no be case, 5 billion Naira indeed. |
| Re: Peter Obi Defends Lawsuit Against Kenneth Okonkwo by Thedon22: 10:21pm On Jun 16 |
Elusive001:Tinubu has been the most scrutinized politician and still standing. He went through the Code of Conduit Bureau, the FBI scrutiny, Chicago issue, certificate issue and could not be indicted in any. This is Obis first. Let's see how it goes. |
| Re: Peter Obi Defends Lawsuit Against Kenneth Okonkwo by favor914: 10:26pm On Jun 16 |
Noblechykk:Answer the question that FSBoperator asked, or let that your cousin elusive001 come & help u answer it, did your Obi not threaten to sue Peoples Gazette? Did he not also threaten to sue Deji over Deji's twitter posts made against him? |
| Re: Peter Obi Defends Lawsuit Against Kenneth Okonkwo by princepee: 10:28pm On Jun 16 |
favor914:the way Una dey reason dey very difficult to understand. person says come to court bring all your evidence.. you say him dey fear. how? you can join yourself to the suit if you or anyone you know have anything against the Man .... it's very simple |
| Re: Peter Obi Defends Lawsuit Against Kenneth Okonkwo by favor914: 10:29pm On Jun 16 |
princepee:What evidence .According to Obi, the court case became necessary after Okonkwo indicated that he possessed additional damaging information which he intended to disclose in the future. His former associate never disclose anything yet, u & Obi dey ask of evidence? |
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