Political tensions have escalated following a fresh legal dispute after former presidential candidate Peter Obi reportedly filed a ₦5 billion defamation lawsuit, prompting a sharp reaction from his critic, Kenneth Okonkwo.

According to Vanguard, Okonkwo dismissed the lawsuit in strong terms, alleging that the move was politically motivated and suggesting that it was an attempt to raise attention or support ahead of future political activities.

He claimed the development reflects deeper divisions within Nigeria’s political space, where disagreements among prominent figures increasingly spill into public legal battles and media exchanges.

Obi’s legal action reportedly centres on alleged defamatory statements made against him, although full court details have not yet been publicly disclosed at the time of reporting.

Okonkwo, however, argued that political actors should focus more on national issues rather than engaging in prolonged personal and legal confrontations, adding that such disputes distract from pressing challenges facing Nigerians.

The matter is expected to proceed through legal channels as both sides maintain their positions.