Okonkwo: Obi compulsive liar, backs Keyamo's 'fish' remark in defamation row

Kenneth Okonkwo, an African Democratic Congress chieftain, rejected Peter Obi's defamation suit against him, insisting he never defamed the former presidential candidate. Speaking on Sunrise Daily on Friday, July 30, 2026, Okonkwo called Obi a 'compulsive liar' and argued the suit is legally flawed because it targets what Obi claims Okonkwo intends to say (a lie), not what he has already stated. He said his remarks are on his X handle and Instagram for verification.

The exchange escalates tensions between two prominent Nigerian political figures ahead of potential 2027 elections. Okonkwo claimed Obi seeks to destroy rising stars from the South-East, questioning why Obi hasn't sued others like Festus Keyamo (who called Obi a liar) or Sowore (whom Obi has not sued despite calling him a 'packaged fraud'). He backed Keyamo's remark that Obi 'lies like a fish that drinks water'.

Okonkwo emphasized that defamation suits apply only to statements already made, not future intentions, and insisted Obi's legal team needs better education on the law. He noted that Obi's suit seeks five billion naira in damages, a figure he called 'illogical' given the circumstances. As this very public feud unfolds, voters may reflect: How should citizens assess credibility when political leaders trade accusations of dishonesty?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/07/31/i-never-defamed-you-youre-a-liar-kenneth-okonkwo-attacks-peter-obi/