Former Labour Party presidential campaign spokesperson and African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain, Kenneth Okonkwo, has claimed that the defamation suit filed against him by former Anambra State governor Peter Obi is based on statements he never made.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Friday, Okonkwo questioned the basis of the lawsuit, arguing that a defamation case should relate to statements that have already been made—not comments a person is yet to make.
The legal dispute follows allegations made by Okonkwo in June, when he accused Obi and members of the South-East caucus of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) of demanding money from aspirants seeking party tickets. The claims were later denied by those involved.
Obi had earlier defended his decision to institute legal action against Okonkwo, saying the lawsuit was aimed at preventing further defamatory remarks and encouraging transparency.
“I sued Kenneth, not because of what he said. He said the things he would say would be worse. I want those who have things that I did wrong, that will make me not be president of Nigeria, to bring it out,” Obi said.
Responding to Obi’s remarks, Okonkwo insisted he never claimed to possess information that would destroy the former Anambra State governor.
“I did not say anything—whether it would destroy him or not,” Okonkwo said.
He maintained that Obi had already begun legal proceedings before the comments currently being referenced were made.
“He has already commenced the suing before I say what I say. When you’re dealing with Peter Obi, it’s good to put everything in writing. What I said is on my X handle,” he stated.
According to Okonkwo, the only point he made was that Obi’s decision to sue his former spokesperson was unwise because confidential information could emerge during legal proceedings.
“I said it is unwise for you to sue your spokesperson because, in the defence of himself, he may divulge some confidential information,” he added.
The ADC chieftain also clarified that the ₦5 billion being demanded from him did not originate from the court but from Obi’s pre-action notice, which is usually issued before a formal defamation suit is filed.|
“The ₦5 billion did not commence from the court; it commenced from his pre-action notice. Then the court you are going to is just to use it to get those things you have already asked for,” Okonkwo said.
He further accused Obi of misrepresenting both the facts and the legal process surrounding the case, maintaining that the lawsuit was founded on claims he never made.
Source: Channels Television
