….Hits Kenneth Okonkwo With N5bn Defamation Suit; NDC Warns “Obidients”, Others, Against Operating Above Party Structures
By Jeremy Fregene
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has moved to stamp its authority on the party amid growing internal tensions, as its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, launched a legal offensive against former ally and actor-turned-politician Kenneth Okonkwo, demanding N5 billion in damages over alleged defamatory remarks.
The twin developments signal an intensifying battle for control of the opposition party ahead of the 2027 elections, with Obi fighting allegations of corruption while the NDC leadership seeks to reinforce party supremacy and curb what it described as tendencies towards personality-driven politics.
Obi’s lawyers, led by Chief Alex Ejesieme (SAN), issued a strongly worded demand letter to Okonkwo, accusing him of making false, malicious and damaging allegations during a June 8 appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme.
The legal action followed claims allegedly made by Okonkwo that Obi and NDC leaders in the South-East demanded N10 million bribes from aspirants seeking House of Representatives tickets.
According to the letter, Okonkwo also alleged that Obi personally compiled the party’s list of candidates from a hotel room, warned aspirants that Obi would “scam” them, received money from individuals abroad, and was involved in criminal conduct alongside other party leaders.
Obi’s legal team described the allegations as “false, baseless, malicious, reckless, and wholly unsupported by any fact,” insisting they portrayed the former Anambra State governor as a fraudster, extortionist, and criminal conspirator.
“The statements falsely and maliciously represent our client as a person who demands, solicits, organises, and collects bribes; who extorts, defrauds, and swindles political aspirants of their money,” the letter stated.
The lawyers argued that the comments exceeded the bounds of legitimate political criticism and amounted to a direct assault on Obi’s integrity, reputation, and public standing.
They demanded an immediate retraction, an unreserved public apology to be published on the same platforms where the allegations were circulated, and payment of N5 billion as general, aggravated, and exemplary damages.
The legal team also sought a written undertaking from Okonkwo to refrain from making further allegedly defamatory statements, warning that failure to comply within seven days would trigger legal proceedings.
The dramatic escalation comes as the NDC leadership unveiled resolutions from its second National Executive Committee meeting, emphasising party supremacy and institutional discipline.
In a statement signed by National Publicity Secretary Osa Director, the party declared that all governments elected on its platform must consult party structures before making key policy decisions, appointments, and programme implementations.
“The party remains supreme, and members are expected to align their personal interests and agendas with those of the party,” the statement said.
In what many observers see as a response to Obi’s Obidients, as well as growing internal rivalries and competing power centres, the party also directed that all affiliated groups and non-governmental organisations must operate strictly under its supervision and authority.
The NEC further resolved that the NDC would not be built around any individual or political movement but would evolve into a durable political institution capable of surviving beyond the ambitions of any single leader.
“The NDC is being built as an institution, not a personality cult, political movement, or Special Purpose Vehicle to be used and discarded,” the party stated.
The leadership also announced the establishment of a comprehensive code of conduct for party officials and candidates, with the National Legal Adviser heading a committee to develop the framework.
As part of efforts to heal divisions within the party, a National Reconciliation Committee has been inaugurated to engage aggrieved members and foster unity.
The NEC additionally introduced stringent financial accountability measures requiring candidates and party officers to fully disclose campaign funding and contributions received at all levels.
According to the resolutions, all campaign funds must pass through designated party accounts, while candidates seeking elective offices would be subjected to stricter disclosure requirements.
Political observers believe the timing of the resolutions is significant, coming amid heightened controversy surrounding the party’s primary elections and allegations by some disgruntled members that internal processes were manipulated.