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According to a report by The Sun on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, actor-turned-politician, lawyer, and public affairs analyst, Kenneth Okonkwo, has cautioned former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, against pursuing a proposed defamation lawsuit against him.
Okonkwo stated that instituting legal action over their ongoing disagreement could prove to be a significant mistake, warning that court proceedings might lead to the disclosure of information that has remained private since the 2023 presidential election campaign.
His remarks come amid growing reports of tensions between both former political allies.
The former spokesperson for Obi’s 2023 presidential campaign made his position known in a statement released following reports that the former Anambra State governor was preparing to file a N5 billion defamation suit against him.
The reports generated considerable public interest due to the political relationship both men shared during the last presidential election.
Okonkwo played a prominent role in the campaign, serving as one of the key public voices defending and promoting Obi’s candidacy throughout the election period.
Addressing the reported legal action, Okonkwo suggested that a lawsuit could create circumstances that would require him to reveal information acquired while serving in the campaign.
According to him, some of the information in his possession was obtained during his time as spokesperson and had remained confidential.
He argued that legal proceedings often require parties to present evidence and defend their positions before the court, a process that could bring previously undisclosed matters into public view.
The lawyer further maintained that initiating a defamation case under such circumstances would be ill-advised.
He stressed that legal disputes involving former close associates often carry risks because both parties possess knowledge of events and decisions that occurred during their period of collaboration.
Okonkwo implied that any attempt to challenge his statements through litigation could potentially open the door to revelations that may not have been intended for public consumption.
He maintained that the consequences of such disclosures should be carefully considered before any formal legal action is taken.
Reports of the proposed lawsuit have emerged against the backdrop of increasing political disagreements between the two figures.
Once regarded as close political associates during the 2023 presidential race, both men have in recent months publicly expressed differing views on political developments and internal issues.
The reported N5 billion defamation suit is believed to stem from statements made by Okonkwo concerning Obi and matters connected to his political activities.
The development has drawn attention from political observers and supporters of both men, given their previous alliance and shared involvement in the presidential campaign.
He said, “Anyone who decides to sue his former Spokesperson for defamation is indeed very unwise.”
