A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Kenneth Okonkwo, has rejected demands by former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi to withdraw alleged defamatory statements, insisting that he stands by his claims.
Peter Obi had threatened legal action, demanding a public apology, retraction of the allegations, and N5 billion in damages within seven days over comments allegedly made by Okonkwo during a television interview.
In a response dated June 16 and signed by his lawyer, V. I. Uma, Okonkwo denied defaming Obi and maintained that his remarks were based on information provided by House of Representatives aspirants, members of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), and other Nigerians.
According to the letter, Okonkwo said he spoke out to expose what he described as transactional politics, ticket racketeering, extortion of aspirants, undue influence, and coercive practices within the party.
The former Labour Party spokesperson attributed much of the information he disclosed to Anambra House of Representatives aspirant Obunike Ohaegbu and other NDC aspirants from the South-East.
However, Ohaegbu recently told Channels Television that he never informed Okonkwo that Obi demanded N10 million from aspirants or that the former governor compiled candidate lists in a hotel. He also denied accusing the NDC South-East caucus of bribery, describing both himself and Obi as victims of the allegations.
Meanwhile, Okonkwo criticised the publication of his personal telephone number in Obi’s pre-action letter, describing it as a breach of privacy and a “distasteful” act.
He alleged that the disclosure exposed him to harassment, threats, and attacks, claiming he had suffered significant personal and professional damage since the letter was circulated on social media.
Okonkwo warned that he may seek legal remedies over the publication of his phone number, alleging that the act was deliberate and malicious.
