TDFormer Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has instituted a defamation suit against former party chieftain and actor-turned-politician, Barrister Kenneth Okonkwo, over statements allegedly made during a live television interview.
Court documents filed before the High Court of Anambra State, Onitsha Judicial Division, show that Obi is seeking a total of N8 billion in damages, alongside other reliefs, over remarks allegedly made by Okonkwo on June 8, 2026, during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme.
According to the writ of summons, Obi contends that statements made by Okonkwo during the broadcast, which were subsequently published on Channels Television’s YouTube platform and allegedly amplified through the defendant’s social media accounts, were “false, malicious, baseless and defamatory.”
The suit, marked O/229/2026, was filed by Chief Alex Ejesieme (SAN) on behalf of the former Anambra State governor.
In the action, Obi is demanding N5 billion as general damages for alleged injury to his reputation, character, integrity, public image, political standing and goodwill.
He is also seeking N2 billion in aggravated damages and N1 billion in exemplary damages, bringing the total monetary claim to N8 billion.
The plaintiff further seeks an order compelling Okonkwo to publish a full and unequivocal retraction and apology on Channels Television, the station’s YouTube platform, and across his social media accounts, including X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
The proposed apology is also expected to be published in three national newspapers with wide circulation.
Additionally, Obi is asking the court to direct the defendant to remove all publications, posts, videos, comments and related content containing the alleged defamatory statements from platforms under his control.
The suit also seeks a perpetual injunction restraining Okonkwo and his associates from making or circulating similar allegations against the former presidential candidate in the future.
Court records indicate that the writ was issued on June 25, 2026, and served on the defendant, who has been given 42 days to enter an appearance before the court.
As of the time of filing this report, Barrister Kenneth Okonkwo had not publicly responded to the lawsuit.
The matter is expected to proceed before the High Court of Anambra State.
The case marks the latest development in the public disagreement between the two former political allies.
Their relationship deteriorated following disagreements over political strategy and developments within the Labour Party after the 2023 presidential election.
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