Kenneth Okonkwo Criticizes Peter Obi Over N5bn Campaign Funding Request

Veteran Nollywood actor and politician Kenneth Okonkwo has reacted to reports that the Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Peter Obi, is seeking N5 billion in damages over alleged defamatory statements.

In a statement posted on X on Wednesday, Okonkwo ridiculed the alleged legal action, implying that Obi was looking for campaign funds.

The former Obi campaign spokesman said that if Obi needed money for political activities, he should ask him privately rather than resort to what he called extortion.

“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,” Okonkwo added.

Okonkwo also claimed that he personally covered expenses during his time as Obi’s spokesperson, including flight tickets and hotel accommodation for campaign activities.

The actor‑turned‑politician said he had not yet read the letter but warned that any legal action could force him to disclose information he obtained while serving as Obi’s spokesperson.

According to him, he had refrained from sharing confidential information out of principle but suggested that such restraint could change if the matter proceeded to court.

He challenged Obi and his legal team to pursue the case, insisting that he was prepared to respond after reviewing the letter.

Okonkwo said he would formally respond to the demand letter after reading it.