Okonkwo: "They Said That Dickson And Peter Obi offered Aisha Yesufu the ticket of the House of Rep

In an interview on Channels Television on Thursday, July 2nd 2026, Kenneth Okonkwo, a former spokesperson for the Labour Party's presidential campaign, has defended remarks that landed him in a defamation complaint.

He claims he was only addressing matters that were already in the public domain and plans to challenge the case in court.

During an interview that aired on TV show Politics on Channels I simply came here to express what is already out there in the public," the lawyer said today, denying claims that his comments amounted to defamation and stating that he was commenting on statements and actions that had previously been addressed publicly.

Defamation, they claim, is happening to you. Accused of what? "Listen," Okonkwo declared.

His argument was based on the fact that the topics he brought up had already been discussed in public, citing remarks made by activists Aisha Yesufu and Seriake Dickson. His question was a direct response to Saka Dixon's statement.

Additionally, according to Okonkwo, the Electoral Act could be affected by specific activities that transpired as claimed.

"They said that he and Peter Obi offered Aisha Yesufu the ticket of the House of Representatives so that she would abandon the Senate. But the law uses the word 'offer.' Section 125(1)(a) of the Electoral Act makes that bribery and corruption," he said.

The Electoral Act, he claims, makes it illegal to offer to "induce somebody to ensure the return of another candidate" or "influence somebody to emerge" as a candidate. The moment you put pen to paper with a result, you're in violation of the Electoral Act, he declared.

"You are accusing me of defamation, but I'm only pointing out and exposing what is happening in the NDC," Okonkwo said, emphasising that his statements were meant to expose what he perceived as irregularities inside the NDC and not to malign anyone.

When asked about the lawsuit, the ex-leader of the Labour Party reiterated that it was a civil case and not a criminal prosecution.

"Sorry, that is a civil proceeding," answered he.

Okonkwo, who feels confident in his legal position, attacked the choice to start legal procedures outside of Abuja, the place where he and the events in question are headquartered.

Abuja is where you are. What I said happened in this studio. My hometown is Abuja. Abuja is the center of everything. Going to Enugu is your goal.

That exemplifies the wickedness they bring to their legal work. Because the law requires you to behave with the highest integrity. Yet guess what? Give it to them. Anytime is fine with us.

The parties to the defamation case are still have to appear in court to submit their case and arguments. No court has yet decided on Okonkwo's claims or the merits of his legal interpretations.