Amanze Chinonye
Former presidential campaign spokesman and lawyer, Kenneth Okonkwo, has rejected allegations of defamation made against him by NDC presidential candidate in the 2027 elections, Peter Obi, insisting that comments he made during a recent television interview were based on information provided by political aspirants who claimed they were defrauded during the NDC primaries election process, Prime Business Africa reports.
In a detailed response issued by Supreme God Chambers, Abuja, and addressed to Peter Obi through his legal representatives, Alex Ejesieme (SAN) & Co (Madiba Chambers), Okonkwo denied any wrongdoing and maintained that his broadcast on Channels Television on June 8, 2026, was grounded in disclosures made by aggrieved aspirants within the party’s South-East nomination process.
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The letter, dated June 16, 2026, also accused Obi’s camp of attempting to silence and discredit Okonkwo over his public commentary, arguing that his statements were made in his capacity as a legal practitioner, columnist, and public affairs analyst with a duty to comment on matters of public interest.
A central element of Okonkwo’s defence is the account of an aspirant identified as Obunike Ohaegbu, also known as “Nwa Miss,” who briefed him that he paid N10 million during the NDC nomination process and later concluded he had been defrauded. According to the letter, Ohaegbu and other aspirants attributed responsibility for the structure of the process to South-East party arrangements involving Obi and regional caucus leaders.
The correspondence further referenced claims by multiple aspirants from states across the South-East who alleged they were required to pay between N10 million and N20 million to secure party tickets for various elective positions. It stated that these payments were widely perceived by aspirants as part of the nomination framework, raising concerns about internal party transparency and the integrity of the primaries.
Okonkwo’s legal team also cited statements attributed to party officials suggesting that South-East caucus leaders played a central role in stakeholder consultations and candidate recommendations during the primaries.
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The letter argued that this structure led many aspirants to associate the nomination process with decisions taken at regional leadership level.
It further referenced allegations of irregularities in the conduct of primaries across several states, including claims that some outcomes were predetermined or concluded outside formal voting procedures. These claims, the letter said, were corroborated by accounts from other aspirants and party insiders.
Beyond the defamation dispute, Okonkwo’s lawyers accused Obi’s camp of breaching his privacy by publishing his personal telephone number in correspondence that was later circulated on social media, an action they described as exposing him to harassment and threats.
Okonkwo maintained that his television appearance was based strictly on information provided by individuals directly involved in the dispute and insisted that his intention was to expose irregularities in party nomination processes rather than defame Obi personally. He also argued that his comments fall within constitutionally protected free expression on matters of public concern.
The letter urged Obi to withdraw what it described as defamatory allegations and to instead address the concerns raised by aspirants who continue to question the transparency and credibility of the NDC primaries in the South-East.
As of press time, Obi had not publicly responded to the latest legal correspondence.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
