… says Nigerians deserve to see evidence; files defamation suit
By Our Correspondent
2027 Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, His Excellency, Mr Peter Obi, has said he will withdraw from the 2027 presidential race if allegations said to be held by his former spokesperson, Kenneth Okonkwo, prove that he is unfit to lead Nigeria.
Obi’s stance is part of a statement circulating in the media in which he addressed the rationale behind the defamation suit he filed against Okonkwo.
According to him, the legal action is not aimed at silencing criticism but at forcing his former ally to publicly present claims he has repeatedly alluded to.
“When someone says ‘I have evidence,’ everybody naturally wants to see the evidence,” Obi said.
“Let Okonkwo present the evidence. Empty threats don’t win court case. Nigerians deserve to know the true character of anyone seeking public office.”
The former governor of Anambra State explained that public office demands the highest level of transparency and accountability. He argued that vague insinuations without proof only create confusion and distract from issues that affect citizens.
Okonkwo, a lawyer and Nollywood actor, served as one of Obi’s chief spokespersons during the 2023 election campaign.
In recent months, he has made several media appearances in which he hinted at possessing information about Obi that he described as damaging. He has, however, not publicly detailed the allegations.
In response, Obi’s legal team filed a defamation suit, which the former governor said is intended to compel Okonkwo to state his claims in a formal setting where evidence can be tested.
“I am not running away from scrutiny,” Obi stated. “If after seeing what he claims to have, Nigerians conclude that I am not fit to lead, then I will honorably step aside from the 2027 race. But let it be based on facts, not rumors.”
The development has sparked reactions across political circles ahead of the 2027 general elections. Supporters of Obi say the suit is a necessary step to protect his reputation, while critics argue it could deepen divisions within the opposition.
Some political analysts opine that the exchange is a manifestation of growing tensions within the coalition of opposition figures positioning themselves for 2027. As the Independent National Electoral Commission (NEC) continues preparations toward next year’s polls, early jostling and rhetoric have already begun to shape public debate.
Obi, who ran on the Labour Party (LP) platform in 2023 and finished third according to INEC results, has remained one of the most visible opposition figures. He has repeatedly said he is consulting widely on the possibility of winning next year’s presidential election for, according to him, a ‘POssible’ new Nigeria.
Legal experts hold that the defamation case could set a precedent for how politicians handle public allegations during election seasons. They point out that Nigerian courts have increasingly been used to test claims made in the media, especially when they touch on character and integrity.
For now, all eyes are on Kenneth Okonkwo to determine whether he will present the alleged evidence in court. Obi has maintained that he welcomes scrutiny, but insists it must be evidence-based.
“The Nigerian people are smart. They can judge for themselves once they see the facts,” he said.
The court is expected to hear preliminary arguments in the coming weeks.
