Kenneth Okonkwo calls Peter Obi's ₦5bn defamation lawsuit an extortion attempt, warns of disclosures

Former Labour Party presidential campaign spokesperson Kenneth Okonkwo has reacted strongly to reports that Peter Obi filed a ₦5 billion defamation lawsuit against him. Okonkwo described the move as an attempt at extortion and warned that legal action could force him to disclose information he has kept private.

In a statement posted on social media, Okonkwo said he had been informed of a letter allegedly sent by Obi and his lawyers demanding ₦5 billion in damages. “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,” he wrote. “Hahaha! 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.”

Okonkwo, who served as a spokesperson for Obi during the 2023 presidential campaign, claimed he personally financed some campaign-related expenses. “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 stated.

The former spokesperson said he had not yet read the letter but warned that Obi’s legal team would be responsible for any information he might reveal if the matter proceeds. According to Okonkwo, he possesses information obtained while serving as Obi’s spokesperson but has refrained from making it public out of principle. “I have not read the letter. Let me sound this note of warning, the lawyers must take responsibility for any information,” he said.