Peter Obi, a presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), says he will quit the 2027 presidential race if evidence presented by Kenneth Okonkwo shows he is unfit for public office. Obi made the pledge during an interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo. The statement follows Obi’s defamation lawsuit against Okonkwo, who was recently appointed spokesman for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar.
Obi says he wants Okonkwo to disclose all “hidden things” he claims to have about him, after repeated assertions that he possesses sensitive information from the period Obi served as his spokesperson. Obi argues that his lawsuit is not meant to silence Okonkwo or restrict free speech. Instead, he says the lawsuit is intended to compel Okonkwo to substantiate his public claims with evidence.
Obi also frames the issue as one of public interest, saying Nigerians deserve to understand the background and character of people seeking elected office before voting.
