Okonkwo warns Obi: I may divulge confidential information acquired as your spokesperson

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Kenneth Okonkwo, issued a strong warning to the presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, saying he may disclose confidential information he allegedly obtained while serving in Obi’s campaign team during the 2023 general election.

Okonkwo had alleged on Monday that Obi and some NDC leaders in the South-East collected N10 million from House of Representatives aspirants and N20 million from senatorial aspirants during the party’s primary process.

The allegation sparked a legal dispute, with Obi’s legal team filing a suit against Okonkwo and demanding N5 billion in damages as well as a public apology.

Reacting via statement on Wednesday, Okonkwo said if Obi was in need of funds for political activities, he could have sought private assistance rather than resorting to legal action.

The former actor-turned-politician disclosed that he personally supported Obi’s campaign during his time as spokesperson, including paying for flight tickets and hotel accommodation during some campaign engagements.

Okonkwo, who said he had not yet fully reviewed the lawsuit, warned that the lawyers involved should be held responsible for any consequences arising from legal action.

He further cautioned that he possesses confidential information obtained during his time as spokesperson, which he has so far refrained from disclosing on ethical grounds, but could be revealed if provoked.

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He wrote on X: “It has been brought to my notice that there is a letter circulating online from the hypocrite, Peter Obi, and his Lawyers that I should pay him N5b. Hahaha! If Peter Obi is looking for money to campaign, he should privately ask me for assistance, not come from extortion, and I will help him. I did so when I was his Spokesperson paying for my flight tickets and booking for my hotel accommodation to some of our campaigns.

“I have not read the letter. Let me sound this note of warning, the Lawyers must take responsibility for any information I may have to divulge, which I acquired as a spokesperson, but which by my conscience I have not shared with anyone. My principle is that I do not use any confidential information I share with anyone against the person except the person who becomes unintelligent enough to tow the line of foolishness. Anyone who decides to sue his former Spokesperson for defamation is indeed very unwise.

“I will reply to the letter whenever I have the time to read it later in the day. Please send it here if you have it. It will be a shame to Peter Obi and his Lawyers if they do not take this case to court. I don’t have time or patience for scammers.”