Veteran Nollywood actor and lawyer Kenneth Okonkwo has stepped up his accusations against Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), insisting that security and anti-corruption agencies must probe bribery allegations involving party aspirants.
Okonkwo’s latest remarks follow Obi’s legal action against his former ally, who alleged that NDC leaders demanded N10 million from House of Representatives aspirants. In a statement on Wednesday, Okonkwo said he had a civic and professional duty to expose wrongdoing.
The actor-turned-politician claimed that multiple aspirants in the South-East were victims of fraud and should receive refunds. He pointed to Obunike Ohaegbu, an aspirant who accused NDC leaders of collecting money in violation of party guidelines.
Okonkwo cited Senator Seriake Dickson, who reportedly stated that aspirants should only pay for expression of interest forms, with nomination fees required solely from primary winners. Any extra payment, Okonkwo argued, constitutes corruption.
Obi’s legal team, led by Chief Alex Ejesieme (SAN), sent a letter on June 9, 2026, demanding a retraction, apology, and compensation, calling the allegations false and defamatory. They denied claims that Obi compiled the candidate list or engaged in fraud.
Despite the legal threat, Okonkwo remains firm, urging authorities to investigate. He said, “The South-East people have suffered enough. No human being can take them for granted or perpetrate fraud against them without challenge. Obunike is just one of many who have been scammed by NDC leaders.”
Okonkwo added, “Senator Seriake Dickson made it clear that aspirants should only pay for expression of interest forms. Any payment beyond that is corrupt. If Obunike Ohaegbu and others were not primary winners, then Peter Obi and the NDC must refund them immediately.”
The dispute marks a deepening rift between Obi and Okonkwo, who was once a staunch supporter but has since aligned with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar ahead of the 2027 election.