Veteran Nollywood actor and political figure, Kenneth Okonkwo, has ridiculed Peter Obi over reports that the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate is seeking N5 billion in damages for alleged defamation. In a post on X on Wednesday, Okonkwo mocked the legal move, implying that Obi is using it to raise money for political campaigns.
Okonkwo, who previously served as Obi’s campaign spokesman, stated that if Obi requires funds for political activities, he should approach him directly rather than resorting to what Okonkwo termed extortion. He said: “I’ve been informed about a letter circulating online from the hypocrite Peter Obi and his lawyers demanding N5 billion from me. Hahaha! If Peter Obi needs campaign funds, he should privately ask me for support instead of trying to extort me. I even covered my own expenses during my time as his spokesperson, paying for flight tickets and hotel bookings for campaign trips.”
The actor-turned-politician added that he hasn’t yet read the legal letter but cautioned that any legal proceedings could force him to reveal confidential information he obtained while working as Obi’s spokesperson. He noted that he has refrained from sharing such details out of principle, but that could change if the matter goes to court. Okonkwo challenged Obi and his legal team to proceed with the case, asserting that he is ready to respond after reviewing the letter.