Peter Obi, the presidential candidate for the Nigeria Democratic Congress, has formally served Kenneth Okonkwo with a writ of summons regarding a defamation case filed in the Onitsha High Court of Anambra State. Legal documents dated June 25, 2026, indicate that Obi is demanding N8 billion in damages following comments Okonkwo reportedly made during a June 8, 2026, appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily. The litigation is being managed by Chief Alex Ejesieme (SAN) of Madiba Chambers in Awka.
This dispute arises from a public falling out between the two former political associates regarding opposition leadership. The court order mandates that Okonkwo respond within 42 days or face a default judgment. Obi’s legal team argues that the comments, which were shared across social media and YouTube, were malicious and false.
The financial breakdown of the lawsuit includes N5 billion for general damages, N2 billion for aggravated damages due to the continued nature of the remarks, and N1 billion in exemplary damages. Beyond the financial claims, Obi is petitioning the court to compel Okonkwo to issue a public apology via television, print media, and social platforms, alongside a permanent injunction to prevent further defamatory statements.
