The presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Petar Obihe officially filed and served a defamation suit against Kenneth Okonkwo at the High Court of Anambra State, Onitsha Judicial Division.
According to court documents dated June 25, 2026, Obi is seeking ₦8 billion in damages over remarks Okonkwo allegedly made during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily program on June 8, 2026.
The comments later circulated on various social media platforms.
The lawsuit filed by Alex Ejesieme (SAN) boss Alex Ejesieme, SAN & Co. (Madiba Chambers), Awka, follows the deteriorating relationship between the two former political allies, who have recently traded criticism over opposition politics and leadership issues.
Court documents show that the warrant was granted for service outside Anambra State, specifically in Enugu State, and requires Okonkwo to appear within 42 days of service. Failure to do so could result in a judgment being entered against him.
Obi claims that the statements made by Okonkwo during the television interview, which were later uploaded to Channels Television’s YouTube channel and shared through his verified social media accounts, were false, malicious and defamatory.
As part of the lawsuit, Obi is seeking £5bn in general damages for alleged damage to his reputation, integrity, public image, political standing and goodwill.
He is also seeking ₦2 billion as onerous damages, citing the continued publication and repetition of the statements even after his legal representatives issued a letter of demand on June 9, 2026.
In addition, the former Anambra governor is asking the court to award ₦1 billion in exemplary damages, claiming that Okonkwo knowingly continued to repeat and promote the allegations despite being officially informed of his objections.
Apart from the financial claims, Obi is seeking court orders forcing Okonkwo to publish a full retraction and apology on Channels Television, the YouTube platform, social media pages and in three national newspapers.
It also requests the removal of all content containing the disputed statements and a permanent ban on the defendant from making similar claims in the future.
