Open Letter in support of Peter Obi’s defence of his reputation and the rule of law

OPEN LETTER IN SUPPORT OF PETER OBI’S DEFENCE OF HIS REPUTATION AND THE RULE OF LAW

10 June 2026

I, Comrade James Chibuzo Chikwendu, National Vice President, Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), Nigeria, wish to publicly express my support for the decision of Peter Obi, the Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), to seek legal redress over the serious allegations made against him by Kenneth Okonkwo during a television appearance.

According to reports, Kenneth Okonkwo alleged that Peter Obi and South-East caucus leaders of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) compelled House of Representatives aspirants to pay N10 million and Senate aspirants N20 million in exchange for party tickets. He further alleged that Peter Obi supervised the process, described it as criminality, and cited an SOS message allegedly sent by an aspirant, Mr. Obunike Ohaegbu, as evidence.

However, it is equally important to note that Mr. Obunike Ohaegbu subsequently appeared on the same television platform and publicly denied that Peter Obi collected any N10 million bribe from him. He reportedly clarified that the payment in question was made into the official party account based on directives from the party’s national leadership and not to Peter Obi personally.

In every democratic society governed by the rule of law, allegations of corruption, extortion, or criminal conduct must be supported by verifiable evidence. Such evidence may include documentary records, bank transfers directly linking the accused person to the alleged offence, credible witness testimony, audio recordings, video recordings, or findings from competent investigative authorities.

Where accusations are made publicly without conclusive evidence, especially against a prominent national figure, there is a real risk of causing substantial damage to reputation, political standing, and public confidence.

I therefore consider Peter Obi’s decision to challenge these allegations through lawful means as both legitimate and necessary. The courts remain the proper forum for determining the truth of disputed claims, not media trials or political sensationalism.

While every citizen has the right to freedom of expression, that right carries a corresponding responsibility to ensure that serious accusations are factual, accurate, and capable of being substantiated. Public discourse should be guided by truth, fairness, and accountability rather than speculation or unverified assertions.

If Kenneth Okonkwo possesses credible evidence supporting his claims, he should present such evidence before the appropriate authorities and the courts. If no such evidence exists, then justice demands accountability for any injury caused to the reputation of the person accused.

This matter should serve as a reminder that political disagreements must never descend into character assassination. Democracy flourishes when debates are conducted on the basis of facts, policies, and ideas rather than allegations that cannot withstand scrutiny.

I therefore stand in support of Peter Obi’s right to defend his name, protect his reputation, and seek appropriate legal remedies under the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Signed,

Comrade James Chibuzo Chikwendu

National Vice President, Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), Nigeria