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Former presidential campaign spokesperson, Kenneth Okonkwo, on Thursday evening described Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, as a “social media presidential candidate,” while taking a swipe at Obi’s supporters, whom he characterised as “uncouth social media followers.”
Speaking on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme anchored by Seun Okinbaloye, Okonkwo dismissed criticisms from Obi’s supporters, saying, “These people make noise. Let them go to the Atlantic Ocean; we will meet them there.”
During the interview, Okonkwo also reaffirmed his earlier allegations that the presidential primary of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) was compromised. He alleged that aspirants in the party paid ₦10 million each to the party leadership and its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, insisting that he stood by the claims.
The former actor-turned-politician maintained that he remained resolute in his position despite the controversy generated by the allegations.
Okonkwo’s remarks came in response to questions on the ₦5 billion defamation suit instituted against him by Peter Obi before the High Court of Anambra State, Onitsha Judicial Division.
The suit arose from Okonkwo’s allegations that Obi and leaders of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the South-East demanded ₦10 million from House of Representatives aspirants in addition to the party’s official nomination fees and manipulated the party’s primary election process. Obi contends that the allegations are false, malicious and defamatory.
In the suit, Obi is seeking ₦5 billion in general damages, a public retraction and unreserved apology to be published in at least five national newspapers, and a perpetual injunction restraining Okonkwo from making or publishing further defamatory statements against him. The matter is pending before the court
