Kenneth Okonkwo, a prominent figure in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has refused demands from former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi to withdraw and apologise for statements linked to alleged irregularities in the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) primary process.
Through his lawyers, Okonkwo defended his comments, stating they were based on concerns and accounts reportedly shared with him by party aspirants and other individuals. He maintained that the remarks made during his television appearance were accurate and did not constitute defamation.
The disagreement followed an interview aired on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on 8 June, where Okonkwo claimed that certain aspirants within the NDC allegedly paid money in pursuit of party tickets.
In response, Obi, acting through his legal representative, Chief Alex Ejesieme (SAN), issued a formal pre-action letter requesting that Okonkwo publicly retract the statements, issue an apology and pay N5 billion as compensation.
Obi’s camp described the allegations as baseless, harmful and intended to damage his public image.
Despite the demand, Okonkwo’s legal representatives responded in a letter dated 16 June, dismissing claims that their client had committed defamation.
According to the reply issued by Supreme God Chambers, the legal team argued that Okonkwo merely expressed views based on information available to him and denied any wrongdoing.
The response explained that the comments were influenced by complaints allegedly submitted by some individuals connected to the party’s nomination exercise, including Obunike Ohaegbu, identified as an NDC House of Representatives aspirant from Anambra State.
Okonkwo’s lawyers stated that Ohaegbu had sought assistance regarding the recovery of N10 million he allegedly paid during the nomination stage. They claimed the aspirant believed the payment guaranteed him the party’s ticket before later being informed that participation in direct primaries would still be required.
The letter further alleged that Ohaegbu held Obi responsible for the situation and encouraged public attention to be drawn to the issue.
The legal response also referenced concerns reportedly raised by additional aspirants, among them OAU Onyema, a former senatorial aspirant in Enugu State, who allegedly questioned aspects of the nomination and screening process after making payments.
Okonkwo’s legal team argued that, as a lawyer, politician and commentator on public affairs, he had the right to speak on matters brought to his attention.
They concluded by reiterating that Okonkwo remains committed to his position and said his intention during the television interview was to highlight concerns about alleged financial influence, questionable nomination practices and issues of accountability within the political system.
