A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Kenneth Okonkwo, has released screenshots of alleged WhatsApp conversations which he claims support his allegations of bribery against Peter Obi and some leaders of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Okonkwo had previously alleged that Obi and certain NDC leaders in the South-East collected N10 million from House of Representatives aspirants and N20 million from senatorial aspirants during the party’s candidate selection process.

According to him, one of the aspirants, Obunike Ohaegbu, provided information and receipts relating to the alleged payments, which formed the basis of his claims.

The allegations have since escalated into a legal dispute after Obi’s legal team, led by Alex Ejesieme (SAN), issued a letter dated June 9, 2026, demanding N5 billion in damages and a public apology over what it described as defamatory statements.

The former Anambra State governor also threatened further legal action if the demands were not met.

In posts shared on his X account on Wednesday, Okonkwo published screenshots of alleged conversations between himself and Ohaegbu, insisting that the messages support his claims regarding Obi’s role in the NDC primary election process.

According to Okonkwo, Ohaegbu informed him that when aspirants sought clarification about the authority behind the alleged payments, Peter Obi and members of a caucus reportedly assembled by him were identified as being responsible.

The conversations released by Okonkwo also allegedly show Ohaegbu expressing dissatisfaction with the conduct of the NDC primaries in Anambra State, claiming that aspirants were neither consulted nor involved in any consensus-building process before candidates were selected.

The messages reportedly questioned how candidate lists emerged despite the absence of consultations or agreements among aspirants, raising concerns about transparency and fairness in the selection process.

Defending his decision to make the allegations public, Okonkwo argued that he was obligated to speak out on issues involving alleged wrongdoing.

“As a citizen and a lawyer, I have a duty to disclose every crime against the state that comes within my knowledge,” he said.

He further maintained that no Nigerian should be subjected to injustice without challenge.

Earlier, Okonkwo dismissed Obi’s legal demand, stating that he had not yet reviewed the letter and would respond appropriately after examining its contents.

He also suggested that any court proceedings could lead to the release of additional information obtained during the period he served as Obi’s spokesperson and political ally.

Both men were once close political associates before parting ways following Obi’s departure from the African Democratic Congress for the National Democratic Congress.

The latest exchange adds to the growing controversy surrounding the NDC’s primary elections, which have been dogged by allegations of irregularities, candidate imposition and internal divisions in several states ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) is facing growing internal tensions following its nationwide primary elections held on May 29, 2026, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

What was expected to strengthen the party’s position as a leading opposition platform has instead sparked widespread controversy over candidate selection, delayed release of official results, and allegations of manipulation in several states.

Although the party’s National Executive Committee reportedly approved the outcome of the primaries, the official list of successful candidates has yet to be released, fueling uncertainty and increasing distrust among party members.

The crisis has been particularly pronounced in Kano State, where disagreements have emerged between members of the Kwankwasiya Movement and other party stakeholders. Some officials have accused supporters of former Kano State Governor and NDC vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, of dominating the nomination process and sidelining long-standing party members.

Tensions escalated further after an unofficial list of candidates began circulating on social media, prompting complaints about alleged candidate imposition and bias within the party structure.

Similar concerns have surfaced in the South-East, where members of the Obidient Movement claim that some aspirants were treated unfairly during the process and were allegedly encouraged to spend significant sums on nomination procedures without receiving clear outcomes.

Despite the growing controversy, the party has maintained that no official list of candidates has been released and urged members to ignore unofficial documents circulating online.

Speaking on the matter, party spokesperson Osas Director said the NDC remains committed to transparency and internal democracy, adding that efforts are ongoing to reconcile aggrieved members and address concerns raised after the primaries.

The crisis has also triggered reports of possible defections, including claims that Kwankwaso could leave the party if disputes surrounding the candidate selection process remain unresolved.

In Enugu State, youth members of the party staged a protest at the NDC headquarters, demanding transparency and fairness in the selection of candidates. The protesters warned that any perceived imposition of candidates could weaken the party’s chances in future elections.

Several stakeholders have also called for clarity from the party leadership, cautioning that prolonged uncertainty could damage the NDC’s reputation and undermine public confidence.

As the situation unfolds, senior party figures, including former Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson, have reportedly stepped in to mediate between competing factions.

Dickson stated that efforts are underway to integrate both the Kwankwasiya and Obidient movements into the party’s national structure, describing the groups as important political forces capable of strengthening the NDC’s grassroots support.

However, internal disagreements remain unresolved.

A senior party official from the South-East warned that replacing candidates who emerged through the primary process could lead to legal challenges and further destabilize the party ahead of the 2027 elections.

The controversy has also spilled into the wider political arena.

Former Labour Party spokesman Kenneth Okonkwo recently accused senior party figures of involvement in financial inducement during the nomination process. The allegations were strongly denied by party leader Peter Obi, who has since initiated legal action against Okonkwo.

Political analysts believe the ongoing crisis highlights deeper structural challenges within the NDC, particularly as the party continues to expand rapidly and accommodate multiple political blocs with differing interests.

According to observers, while the party has gained significant popularity in recent years, it still faces challenges in building the internal cohesion required to manage nationwide primary elections effectively.

Despite the tensions, NDC officials insist reconciliation efforts are progressing and remain confident that disputes will be resolved before the 2027 polls.

However, analysts warn that failure to address the grievances and provide clarity on the candidate selection process could negatively affect the party’s credibility and electoral prospects.

As consultations continue, the NDC is under increasing pressure to restore unity, finalize its candidate list, and demonstrate its commitment to transparency and internal democracy ahead of the next general election.

The 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has threatened legal action against former ally and African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain, Kenneth Okonkwo, over comments he described as false and defamatory.

In a pre-action letter signed by his lawyer, Alex Ejesieme (SAN), Obi accused Okonkwo of making damaging allegations during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme on Monday.

Obi and Okonkwo were previously political allies, having worked together in the Labour Party before both later moved to the ADC. Obi eventually left the party and joined the NDC.

According to the letter, the disputed comments were made during a televised interview in which Okonkwo alleged that Obi and members of the NDC South-East caucus demanded a ₦10 million bribe from House of Representatives aspirants seeking party tickets.

Okonkwo specifically claimed that an NDC House of Representatives aspirant from Anambra State, Obunike Ohaegbu, had sent him a message and payment receipt alleging that Obi collected ₦10 million from him and other aspirants.

He further alleged that after the payments were made, the aspirants were directed to participate in party primaries rather than being handed tickets as allegedly promised.

Okonkwo also claimed that Ohaegbu accused Obi of abandoning a transparent primary process and instead compiling and submitting a list of candidates for various constituencies from Johnwood Hotel in Abuja.

The ADC chieftain argued that anyone supporting the NDC and Obi was endorsing criminality, alleging that the party had been involved in the unlawful exploitation of aspirants.

However, Ohaegbu has publicly denied making the statements attributed to him.

While appearing on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Tuesday, Ohaegbu stated:

“I am telling you that Peter Obi never told me to pay N10 million. I never told Kenneth Okonkwo that Peter Obi, in any way, told me to pay N10 million.”

He also denied accusing the NDC South-East caucus of demanding bribes and rejected claims that he alleged Obi personally prepared a list of candidates at Johnwood Hotel.

According to him:

“What I said is that there was an allegation that the list had been prepared in Johnwood. I didn’t mention names.”

In his response, Obi strongly rejected the allegations, describing them as false representations intended to portray him as a bribe collector, fraudster and dishonest political figure involved in criminal activities.

“These are extremely grave, damaging and reckless imputations of bribery, extortion, fraud, financial dishonesty and criminality directed at the character, integrity, reputation and public standing of my person,” he said.

The former Anambra State governor argued that the allegations were deliberately made to expose him to public ridicule, hatred and contempt while damaging his reputation.

As part of his demands, Obi asked Okonkwo to withdraw the statements and issue a public apology through Channels Television and all his social media platforms within seven days.

He also demanded the payment of ₦5 billion through his legal representatives as general, aggravated and exemplary damages for the alleged harm caused to his reputation.

Additionally, Obi requested a written undertaking from Okonkwo, assuring that similar statements would not be made or circulated in the future.

The letter warned that failure to comply within the stipulated period would leave Obi with no option but to seek legal redress.

“Take notice that should you fail, refuse or neglect to comply with the above demands within the stipulated period, our client (Peter Obi) shall be left with no option than to seek legal redress against you without further recourse to you.

“Such action shall include, but shall not be limited to, claims for general, aggravated and exemplary damages in the said sum of N5 billion and indeed such a higher sum as the court may deem fit, together with injunctive reliefs, public retraction, apology and the full cost of the proceedings.”

As of the time of reporting, Okonkwo had not publicly responded to the legal notice.