By Peter Omopo
Actor-turned-politician Kenneth Okonkwo has renewed allegations of corruption within the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), claiming that aspirants seeking elective positions were pressured to make financial payments to secure party tickets during the party’s primary elections.
Okonkwo accused NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi and some political leaders from the South-East of allegedly overseeing the process, which he said involved monetary demands from aspirants contesting various positions under the party’s platform.
The allegations come amid reports that Obi’s camp has issued a pre-litigation notice in response to earlier comments made by Okonkwo during an appearance on a television programme, where he alleged that House of Representatives aspirants were asked to pay as much as ₦10 million to obtain party tickets.
In a series of posts on social media, Okonkwo claimed to possess documentary evidence supporting his allegations. According to him, the materials include conversations involving an aspirant, Obunike Ohaegbu, who contested for the Nnewi North/Nnewi South/Ekwusigo Federal Constituency seat.
He further alleged that the aspirant had privately accused Obi of coordinating the process, despite subsequently making public statements that appeared to downplay the claims.
Okonkwo also cited what he described as internal party communications, which he claimed showed that additional fees demanded from aspirants were linked to directives from party leadership structures.
The former Labour Party spokesperson called on anti-corruption agencies to investigate the allegations and ensure accountability where necessary. He also urged that any aspirants who may have been affected by the alleged payments should be refunded.
As of the time of filing this report, neither Obi nor the leadership of the NDC had issued an official response to the latest allegations.
The development is expected to intensify political debate within the party as preparations continue for future electoral contests, with observers awaiting possible reactions from party officials and relevant authorities.
