A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Kenneth Okonkwo, has launched a fresh attack on former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, describing him as a “classless” politician while dismissing the defamation suit filed against him.
Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Friday, Okonkwo argued that Obi’s legal action was based on a misunderstanding of defamation law.
According to the lawyer and politician, defamation cases can only be founded on statements that have already been made—not on comments someone is yet to make.
“Peter Obi is a classless, non-charismatic politician with little knowledge and zero depth,” Okonkwo said.
He also claimed that Obi wrongly alleged he was being sued over statements he intended to make, insisting that the legal process had already begun before his public comments.
Okonkwo said his remarks are publicly available on his X account and encouraged Nigerians to verify them for themselves.
“What I said is on my X handle. I only stated that it was unwise for him to sue his spokesperson because, in defending himself, the spokesperson might disclose confidential information,” he said.
He explained that the pre-action notice from Obi’s legal team marked the beginning of the defamation process, adding that any court proceedings would only seek to enforce the demands contained in that notice.
The ADC chieftain also accused Obi of trying to undermine influential figures from the South-East.
“I have said it before that Obi wants to destroy every rising star from the South-East,” Okonkwo alleged.
He further questioned why Obi had not taken similar legal action against other public critics, including activist Omoyele Sowore and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
Okonkwo also backed Keyamo’s recent criticism of Obi, maintaining that the former Anambra State governor had made false statements against him and advising him to seek better legal guidance before pursuing defamation claims.
Source: Channels Television
