Obi Challenges Okonkwo to Publicly Reveal Alleged Secrets
Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has publicly challenged his former spokesperson and ally Kenneth Okonkwo to release all alleged damaging information he claims to hold. Obi stated that if the revelations prove him unfit for office, he will withdraw from the 2027 presidential race.
Speaking during an interview on the talk show #WithChude hosted by media entrepreneur Chude Jideonwo, Obi clarified that his lawsuit against Okonkwo is not intended to silence him but to compel him to present the evidence he has repeatedly claimed to possess. Obi emphasized that Nigerians deserve to scrutinize the backgrounds of political aspirants before electing them.
Obi: I Want All Hidden Things on the Table
“I want Kenneth Okonkwo to bring out all the 'hidden things' that he has on me. If I am not qualified after his revelation, then I'll stop running for the election,” Obi declared during the interview. The former Anambra State governor explained that Okonkwo, while serving as his spokesperson, had claimed to hold sensitive information that he would disclose if provoked or sued.
Obi argued that Nigeria has suffered from electing leaders whose controversial pasts emerge only after they assume office. “We must now examine the background of those who want to serve. We are tired of getting in there and we find out that, true, they used to do this, true, they used to do that. Let's examine it now so that if I'm not qualified, I withdraw,” he said.
Obi Insists Lawsuit Not About Free Speech
Responding to criticism that suing Okonkwo is undemocratic and an attack on free speech, Obi insisted the legal action has a single purpose. “Kenneth Okonkwo said, as my spokesperson, he had so many hidden things that if he's provoked or sued, he will bring them out. And that's the only thing I'm suing him, to bring those things out,” Obi explained.
When asked whether he truly wants every allegation and piece of evidence made public, Obi responded without hesitation: “Everything. All that evidence he said you had. All the evidence, all those things that he was hiding from me, I want him to put it on the table so that I can now be able to say, based on this, I cannot continue.”
Obi: Okonkwo Holds the Key
Obi maintained that the lawsuit has only one objective. “Kenneth now holds the key to all those things that I'm going to hide. I want him to bring it to the table. That's all.” When asked if he would discontinue the case once the alleged evidence is produced, Obi replied: “That's it.”
The interview comes as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections intensify. Obi, who recently aligned with a new opposition coalition, has alleged increasing intimidation due to his political activities. His comments have sparked widespread online debate, with many Nigerians questioning whether Kenneth Okonkwo will now publicly present the evidence he has long claimed to possess.
